Rushden & Diamonds youth team striker Sam Smith has signed a professional contract, which could see him stay at Nene Park until 2010.

The second year scholar signed as a youth player in early 2007 after being spotted playing for Corby Town Under 18s. So far this season, Smith has scored 11 goals for the youth team, impressing Rushden & Diamonds Manager Garry Hill with his strength and finishing. Smith has been given squad number 28 for the remainder of this season.

Youth Team Manager Paul Driver said "I'm very happy to hear of the news that Sam has been given a professional contract, and this is a great advert for what we are trying to do at Rushden & Diamonds, bringing through young players to become first team footballers. I'm particularly pleased for Sam, as he has been a model professional both on and off the pitch, with a great attitude to the game.

We will continue to build on this success and hopefully bring many more players through to the first team in the coming months and years."