McPike has been at the club six years

Midfielder Mitch McPike is the latest product of Birmingham City's academy to be handed a professional contract.

The 17-year old from Longbridge has signed a two-year deal, following in the footsteps of fellow teenagers Ashley Sammons and Jordon Mutch.

"The real work starts now - I will keep working to achieve my ambitions," McPike told the club website.

"The club has treated me well for six years and I didn't want to go anywhere else - I love being around the place."

Academy manager Terry Westley has overseen the development of McPike, and feels Blues are starting to benefit from investing in youth.

They now have to prove their worth day in, day out with a view to pinning down a first-team place Blues' Academy boss Terry Westley on the club's youngsters

"When you place him alongside the likes of Ashley and Jordon, it's fair to say we have three extremely talented players in the ranks," Westley said.

"They now have to prove their worth day in, day out, with the senior group and push on with a view to pinning down a first-team place."

Blues have also distributed 5,000 free tickets for youngsters to see the first leg of their FA Youth Cup semi-final against Liverpool on 16 April.

The tickets have been spread around junior football clubs, community groups and hospital schools with a view to giving many children their first chance to visit St Andrew's.

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