Crewe Alexandra are delighted to announce that Calum Agius has signed a long-term contract with the club.

The attacking midfielder, who made his first-team debut earlier this month, has been part of our club since the age of seven.

Now 18, he has been rewarded for his swift progress with a first professional contract. The deal runs for an initial three years and includes an option for a further 24 months.

Manager Lee Bell said: “I'm delighted for Calum. I first coached him as an Under-11 and he is a player who has always stood out.

“He is a Crewe player through and through in terms of how he handles the ball. He’s not fazed by anything, he has a good work ethic and this is a good reward for him.

“The Chairman has backed this decision and it is the right thing to do. We want our best young players to be at the club for as long as possible.

“I always tell them that their aim is not to get into our first team and then move on – their aim is to be the best Crewe player they can be.”

Agius, a Wales U19 international, plays anywhere across midfield and can also operate in forward positions.

He caught the eye on debut as a second-half substitute in the recent Papa John’s Trophy clash at Port Vale and is now targeting more first-team action.

Aidan Callan, Academy Manager, said: “It’s a good moment for Calum and for everyone connected to the club. I’ve watched his development all the way through the academy.

“It’s also good for all the other boys in the academy to another homegrown player coming through and being rewarded for hard work.

“They can see that they are at the right club and they will be given an opportunity if they perform.”