Leeds United defender Oliver Casey spoke to www.leedsunited.com after signing professional terms with the club.

The 17-year-old, who helped the Under-18s win the Professional Development League North last season, has signed a deal until the summer of 2020.

Centre-back, Casey, was delighted to put pen to paper at his boyhood club.

“I’ve been at Leeds since Under-11s, so I’m buzzing to sign a professional deal,” said Casey.

“Being a Leeds fan as well, it makes it all a bit more special for me and all the years I’ve been here have paid off.

“I still watch the first team games every week, I love it, my dad has been bringing me to games since I was young.

“When I first found out about getting a pro deal I was shocked as you usually find out a bit later in the year.

“Last year we won the league with the Under-18s and we are trying to replicate that this year, we have started quite well and we need to keep going now.

“It was a great environment to be in last year when we won the league and it was probably the best season of my life.”

Both Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Kalvin Phillips have been ever present for the Whites this season in the Sky Bet Championship, with the duo having progressed from the Academy to the first team.

Casey spoke about the pathway, which has proven to be so successful for the Whites over recent years.

“It is a factor of being here and you know if you keep working hard, there is a possibility you can get a chance and it is good to see friends now pushing on to the first team.

“My aim now is with the Under-18s to try and win the league and hopefully be pushing to get some more games at Under-23 level.

“The Under-23s have been doing really well this season, so that motivates me to do even better to try and get into that team.

“It is the best feeling in the world playing for Leeds, when I was a kid I bought Leeds shirts and now I get to pull it on every week, so it is special.

“I need to keep doing what I am doing, keep learning and improving and hopefully I can continue to progress now.”