Burnley Apprentice Steve Hewitt could be offered a professional contract before he completes his two-year apprenticeship.
The 17 year-old midfielder is still waiting to make his first-team debut for the Clarets but despite this he has continued to impress manager Eddie Howe.
Hewitt was part of the first team squad that toured the South West in pre-season and during that trip he impressed with his performance as a second-half substitute against Torquay United.
The 2nd Year Apprentice has wasted no time in making a case for himself this season after excelling in training, youth team games and at reserve level.
Howe has taken note of Hewitt’s potential and has not ruled out the prospect of giving him a first-team bow this season:
“I think he’s going to be a good prospect,” Howe told the Lancashire Telegraph.
The youngster already has a squad number after being an unused substitute in the Carling Cup against Barnet and MK Dons earlier this season.
The play-maker will aim to follow in the footsteps of young guns Jay Rodriguez, Alex MacDonald and Chris McCann with the club keen to promote its talented youth players.
“We are trying to leave a little pathway for some of the youth development to have the opportunity to appear,” said Operational Director Brendan Flood.
“We have a few exciting players within the club and need to allow them to come through because they, as we have seen with Jay, can be more affective than recruitment of outside players.”
