Rovers' secretary Tom Finn and Shirley Derbyshire look on as Matt Derbyshire signs on at Ewood Park.

ROVERS have unearthed another local prospect in exciting teenage striker Matt Derbyshire from Great Harwood Town.

The prolific hitman, who was already on Rovers' books in another capacity, has put pen to paper on a scholarship deal with the Premiership club.

It's proving to be the most sensational of seasons for the 17 year-old former pupil of Our Lady and St John's High School in the town.

Already, he's made the transition from Darwen FC to Great Harwood youth teams into the North West Counties League Division Two club's first team, where he's hit 18 goals in just nine games.

Matt has been working with Blackburn Rovers in the Community department and had already come to the notice of the club's Academy. Now, it's official, he's signed scholarship terms and is relishing the challenge of being a full-time footballer.

"It's like a dream come true, to sign for my home-town team and to be involved with a Premiership club," admitted Matt as he signed the contract.

"Everyone at Great Harwood has been fantastic, I am particularly grateful to my former youth coach Andy McNally and Town manager John Hughes for helping me.

"I went to the same schools as Paul Gallagher and it's great to be following on from him. Now, I'm looking forward to knuckling down to hard work and seeing what I can do for Rovers."

Matt attended a specially arranged signing-on session at Ewood Park with his mother Shirley.

Rovers' secretary Tom Finn said: "Matt's signing further underpins the well-established links we have with Great Harwood Town.

"We have agreed to play a pre-season friendly at The Showground next summer. The club officials have been very helpful in our negotiations and we have an arrangement whereby they will be further rewarded according to Matt's appearances and success."