Five Burnley FC youth players offered professional contracts

Second-year scholars Joe Jackson, Mehdi Lazaar, David Lynch, Joe McKee and Ross Wilson have all been offered terms.

Dean Overson, James Taylor and Tommy Taylor have been offered extended scholarships after missing long periods of the season through injury.

But defenders Stephen Edwards, Ed Williams and Curtis Woods are to be released.

Clarets’ director of youth development, Martin Dobson, said: “I am delighted for the lads who have been offered contracts. It is well deserved.

“They are going onto the first rung of the professional ladder and it’s a whole new ball game for them now.

“But we are here to help them and it’s an exciting time for them to look forward to when they come back up and running for pre-season.”

Dobson added: “It was a very difficult decision for those who have not been kept on. They were close calls.

“Their attitude has been terrific and we would like to think they will get opportunities elsewhere.

“I have been in their position myself. We will help them where we can and if they go on to prove us wrong and are successful elsewhere then we will be delighted for them.”

Of the five players offered professional deals, three played in Burnley’s reserve-team win over Macclesfield Town on Monday night.

Striker Joe Jackson and midfield play maker Joe McKee also lead the way in the youth team scoring charts, while winger Ross Wilson has now chalked up a handful of games at reserve level.

Central midfielder David Lynch has enjoyed an outstanding season as youth team captain, while forward Lazaar has been capped at under-17 level by Belgium.