ACADEMY graduates Matty Sargent and Jack Thorn have signed their first professional contacts at Wrexham.

Sargent, aged 17, and Thorn, 18, have both signed one-year contracts after completing their scholarships.

Both midfielders have come through the age-groups in the academy set-up at Wrexham and impressed during last season's under 18’s EFL Youth Alliance campaign.

Sargent made his senior debut in December's 3-0 FA Trophy first round win against Boston United as a late substitute, and made his first league appearance when he started Wrexham's 2-1 victory over Harrogate Town on the final day of the regular season.

Thorn came off the substitutes bench for his first team debut in the same game.

The two players will return to pre-season training in June with the rest of the first team squad and manager Bryan Hughes says the duo have earned their contracts.

“I’m delighted for both Jack and Matty," said Hughes, who came through the youth ranks at The Racecourse in the 1990s.

"They have impressed me since I have been here as manager and they have also impressed our Centre of Excellence manager Dan Nolan throughout their development.

“It’s really important that players are not only good enough to come through the ranks at the club but prepared for it too.

I did it here as a player and the foundations are still in place for young players like Matty and Jack to do the same.

“Matty was the Under 18’s captain last season and made his debut against Harrogate on the final day of the season. Jack also made an appearance during that game and I thought they were both outstanding.

"They did a fantastic job and showed maturity for such young players who we’d placed our trust in.

“The two players came in today with their parents, who witnessed them signing their first professional contracts, and to me, that was a fantastic moment that I’m sure they’ll never forget.”

Centre of Excellence manager Nolan, who has coached the players during their development is delighted to see the pair move up to the senior ranks.

“It’s fantastic that Matty and Jack have been successful in securing professional contracts with the club for next season," said Nolan.

“The club has already demonstrated our belief in the potential of these young players, both have featured for the first team last season, it’s now up to them to grasp the opportunity with both hands.”