Everton have given teenage striker Jose Baxter a new two-and-a-half-year contract at Goodison Park.
The 17-year-old, who can play up front or in midfield, has made four first-team appearances and is the youngest player to start a senior Everton game.
"It is a dream come true to sign for Everton," he told EvertonTV.
Baxter is the second of Everton's local prospects to be given a senior contract in the past two weeks after Birkdale-born Jack Rodwell signed a new deal.
Baxter added: "To be offered a contract was a great feeling but actually signing it was something else."
"I have to keep working hard now and make sure I earn another one in the future."
The Everton squad has been hit by a series of injuries this season, which has meant manager David Moyes has turned to the Premier League club's younger players.
Baxter only turned 17 in February and broke James Vaughan's record as the club's youngest first-team player when he played against Blackburn in August 2008 at the age of 16 years and 191 days old.
He became the Toffees' youngest player to start a game when he faced West Brom a week later.
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