Everton have confirmed that James Yates has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The right-back, who has been at the club's academy since the age of 11, put pen to paper on the deal on Friday.
Following the announcement, Yates tweeted his delight. "Dream come true to sign my first pro contract with Everton for two years, hopefully first of many," he said.
The Huyton-born youngster was a regular for England Under-17s last season and featured in every single squad throughout the whole campaign.
Dream come true to sign my first pro contract with Everton for two years, hopefully first of many! Big year ahead for club and country...
— Yatesy (@JamesYates_) July 3, 2015
He appeared in all of the Young Lions' matches at the European Championship before they were eliminated by Russia in the quarter-finals. However, he went on to enjoy a fine performance as he and his international team-mates defeated Spain on penalties in a World Cup play-off match to secure a spot at the tournament in Chile.
The showpiece will be held in October, and Yates is already eyeing a successful trip to South America.
Via Twitter, he added: "Big year ahead for club and country. For club firstly and country too with the World cup in October in Chile to look forward to and win."
Yates and his England team-mates will discover who their opponents will be in Chile when the draw is made next month.
