"Dynamic and exciting" attacking talent Zain Walker has signed his first professional contract with Bristol Rovers, the club confirmed on Friday.
The 18-year-old winger joined the Gas aged 16 from Fulham, and has been a star performer in the under-18s since.
Walker is the third academy graduate to sign a pro deal this year, following strikers Kieran Phillips and Ollie Hulbert, and Rovers boss Ben Garner believes the speedy forward has a good chance of making the grade in the first team.
"Zain is a dynamic and exciting player," Garner told the club's website.
"He has great potential that we hope to develop as he learns and matures.
"Zain has the attributes to do very well and with hard work he has the opportunity to progress here at Rovers."
Walker made his first senior appearance for Rovers as a 16-year-old, featuring in an EFL Trophy defeat to Exeter City in 2018.
The teenager was a star performer in the club's run to the FA Youth Cup third round, scoring twice including a superb solo effort against Premier League Southampton.
In 15 starts in the 2019/20 season before it was curtailed, Walker netted eight goals and Rovers' academy manager Chris Hargreaves is pleased to see another of his students sign professional terms.
"Zain is another Academy prospect we have high hopes for," he said.
"He's had a taste of first-team action and if he continues to show the right drive and attitude, combined with his pace and ability, then we believe he can become a real asset for the football club."
