Southend United have sealed the future of promising youngster Lyle Della-Verde on a youth scholarship deal.

The 15-year-old winger will be offered a professional contract when he turns 17 in January 2012.

Head of youth Ricky Duncan said: "Lyle had to work on his attitude when he first came here, which he did, and we pushed him into the under-18s.

"He now needs to make sure he pushes himself harder, as he is an exciting young player."

Della-Verde has been with Southend's centre of excellence since 2007, after he was released by Tottenham.

There was a lot of interest in Lyle at the FA Youth Cup games Southend head of youth Ricky Duncan

The teenager was an unused substitute in the FA Cup replay defeat by Macclesfield on 16 November, when the Shrimpers lost on penalties.

"[He] can play on both the left wing or in attack and is good with both feet," added Duncan.

"There was a lot of interest in Lyle at the FA Youth Cup games.

"We had a lot of chats with him and Ron Martin [chairman], who also spoke to his parents to reaffirm his commitment to youth development and the player."

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