Villa youngster Harry Forester signs deal

Jan 8 2008 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

VILLA'S exciting young England midfielder Harry Forrester has signed his first professional contract.

The 17-year-old has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal after arriving from Watford earlier this season.

Forrester has already played a part in taking Tony McAndrew's under-18 side to the top of the FA Premier Academy League.

Academy director Bryan Jones said: "We are extremely pleased Harry has signed his contract.

"He is a good passer, has great vision and can play in a variety of positions.

"But, as I say to all the academy graduates, there's still a lot to learn. He will have to work hard, put in lots of effort and perform well for Aston Villa.

"He's got a very good attitude and that should stand him in good stead."

Villa could pay more than £1million if Forrester makes a first-team appearance and goes on to play for the senior national team.

A tribunal last month fixed the fee after the Hornets rejected a six-figure compensation offer after Forrester turned down a scholar-ship at Vicarage Road in favour of a move to the Midlands.

The tribunal decided Watford should receive initial compensation of £250,000, with further payments up to a total of £1.2million.

A sell-on fee relating to any future move was also agreed.