Academy attacker Jacob Render was delighted to sign a first professional contract with the club, praising the help he has had from those around him to help the 18-year-old to this stage of his career.

The versatile forward has enjoyed a taste of senior football, scoring against Gateshead in the National League Cup for Scott Gardner’s Under-21s and facing Accrington Stanley in the EFL Trophy.

“It is an amazing feeling,” he said after putting pen to paper at Elland Road. “It is what I have dreamed of since I was a little kid. So, finally completing it feels really good.

“I think I have come on loads working with the different coaches at the club. It has been astronomical help for me.

“Technically, I have become a miles better player and emotionally as well. My understanding of the game has come on leaps and bounds.

“My coaches, agents, family, all of them have come together to help get where I am today. All of their help and support means a lot to me.

“I think my main goal is playing as many minutes as I can and then if I stay fit, I will be able to show what I can do.

“Game by game, hopefully I make an impact, get goals and assists. The end goal is the first team. That is what I wanted to do when I was a little kid so that is what I aspire to do.”