WANDERERS starlet Lewis Cook has signed an 18-month deal to stay at Adams Park.

The 19-year-old youth team graduate, who has made six starts this season after breaking into the first team, put pen to paper on his first professional contract this week.

Manager Lawrie Sanchez said: "He's surprised us this season with the progress he has made. His pace is an assett. He can score goals and he's got a good left foot. He's got plenty of attributes. But he's a professional now and he's got to live like a pro.

"Your first contract is a difficult transition. We've given young kids contracts before and in fairness Danny Senda is the only one who has lived up to it.

"Lewis has shown he's got talent but being a professional is about having nine good days out of ten."

And Cook has promised to make the most of his chance.

He said: "This is all I've ever wanted but I know this is only the start. I know I have got to keep my head down and keep working. I have still got a lot to learn and a lot to prove."

January 23, 2003 14:00