Blackpool midfielder Mariette earns first professional contract

The 17-year-old has put pen to paper on a two-year deal at Bloomfield Road, having scored three goals and provided four assists in 26 appearances for the youth team this season.

Named on the first-team bench for matches against Brighton and Hove Albion and Wigan Athletic, Mariette was recently selected for Wales Under-18s and made his international debut against England.

Mariette said: “I’m over the moon. I’ve been working hard this season to get a professional deal and it’s come early. It’s been a good season for the youth team and I’ve started regularly.

“I’ve trained with the first team a couple of times as well and been involved on the bench.”

Academy director, Ciaran Donnelly, said: “Luke has had an excellent season. As a first year scholar he has adapted to full-time football in a positive manner and his performances for the Under-18s have been really encouraging.

“He has also been given a number of opportunities to be around the first team squad, which have had a positive impact.

“Luke is a respectful young man and he is well deserving of his recent international call-up. We’re all looking forward to continuing our work with Luke. The future is promising for him.”

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