By Richard Joyce

TEENAGE midfielder Louis McGrory has extended his stay at Forest Green Rovers after agreeing a new one-year contract.

The 18-year-old will now remain at The New Lawn until the summer of 2017 after impressing boss Ady Pennock in his first few months as a professional footballer.

A product of the FGR Academy side, McGrory has made two appearances for the first team in the FA Trophy, and enjoyed a loan spell at Evesham United earlier on this season.

After signing his new contract, McGrory said: “I’m over the moon and happy to put pen to paper. I’ve really enjoyed the months I’ve been here and I’m looking to kick on.

“As soon as I signed my first contract it was straight on to see if I could get another one. I’m really happy with the gaffer putting his faith in me.

“I want to be playing here and getting game time. The first couple of months I got used to being full time and now I feel like I’ve adjusted.”

McGrory was one of two youngsters alongside Aden Baldwin from last year’s Academy set-up to be offered pro-deals having progressed under the watchful eye of Head of Youth Scott Bartlett.

Pennock is thrilled to have tied down the highly-rated teenager for another campaign, making him the sixth member of the squad under contract until the end of next season.

He added: “Scotty has done really well to bring Louis and Aden through. We know what happened to Aden with his move to Bristol City, which was fully deserved. Aden had been absolutely fantastic and it’s the same with Louis.

“Louis has got a very bright future in front of him. He’s a very good footballer with a good footballing brain. He’s a good age and he fully deserves his new contract.

“He has worked his socks off since the start of the season. In pre-season I think it was a bit of a shock to the system for him, but you can see how hard he has worked in the gym. He’s worked hard in training and everybody likes him. I’m very pleased he’s signed a new deal.”