HAYDEN Carter revealed the clear pathway to the first team played a part in his decision to pen a professional deal with Rovers.

The young defender has signed a contract until 2020 and is keen to follow in the footsteps of the likes of David Raya, Ryan Nyambe and Willem Tomlinson and earn a place Tony Mowbray's senior squad.

Carter, 18, is captain of the Under-18 squad that face Blackpool in the last eight of the FA Youth Cup later this month and can play anywhere across the backline.

And he is keen to keep developing with Rovers.

"I look at players like Ryan Nyambe and feel he's been given his chance and plays in a similar position to me," Carter said. "I can see the pathway to the first team and I'm determined to get there. You get opportunities here under the manager."

Carter, who joined Rovers at Under-14 level, follows fellow youth team stars John Buckley and Jack Evans in committing his future to the club but knows plenty of hard work now lies ahead.

“I’m really happy as I’m at a big club and hopefully I can have a bright future here. I’m delighted to get the contract signed," Carter, who has also played for the club's Under-23 side, told the club's official website.

"I'm growing in size and physique as well as my skills on the pitch. I feel I can only get better and this is the perfect place to do it, in my view. I enjoy being involved with with Under-23s and with the Under-18s in doing well in the FA Youth Cup.

"I enjoy the responsibility of being captain of the Under-18s and there are plenty of leaders out there like Jack Evans, who skippered the team against Stoke in my absence and scored two goals.

"The next step for me is regular football in the Under-23s side.

"Long-term I want first team football, but I know I'll have to work hard for that to happen.

"I'm really thankful for everything the club has done for me so far and hopefully as a club we can get back to where we want to be, starting with promotion to the Championship at the end of this season."