Carlisle United have handed a professional contract to teenage midfielder Jack Lynch.
The Blackburn-born youngster, who will turn 18 next month, has signed a one-year deal, which will keep him at Brunton Park until June 2014.
Carlisle manager Greg Abbott told the club's official website: "In Jack Lynch we've seen the type of midfield player that we possibly haven't had for a while.
"He is fantastic in the way he chases the opposition down and in the way he tries to make sure he wins his battles.
"He's extremely tenacious, he has an excellent range of passing and he is one who brings a really competitive edge to his game. That gives us quite a lot to work with."
Lynch had been a trainee at Carlisle for the past two years, during which time he frequently took part in first-team training, while also representing the Cumbrians at reserve level.
Robert Summerscales
