Ethan Ross was named the 2018/19 Development Player of the Year at the annual AFC Awards Dinner on Thursday night and we are also pleased to announce that Ethan has put pen to paper and signed a new two year contract at Aberdeen.

The 17 year-old has been a mainstay in the club’s development squads over the last two seasons and made his first team debut in January, going on to make a further four appearances off the bench thus far. The midfielder, who is captain of the U18 side spoke with the Red Matchday editor after signing the contract, which will take him up to the summer of 2021.

“I’m delighted to finally get it done and now I can focus on pushing on next season. My aim was to make my debut by the end of the season so to be sitting here after a few appearances under my belt already, it is brilliant.

“I just want to push on over the next two years as well.”

Ethan travelled with the first team to Dubai for the warm weather training camp before making his debut as a late substitute against Stenhousemuir in the Scottish Cup Fourth Round Replay at Ochilview.

“Making my debut against Stenhousemuir was a really good feeling and a proud moment for me and my family.

“It has been nice to get some minutes in the league games as well. The Kilmarnock game last month at Rugby Park I was wanting to get on. The gaffer said to me he was looking for more of a defensive job, which wasn’t obviously the case in the few minutes I played against Stenhousemuir. I was marking Stephen O’Donnell and thankfully managed to make a good block inside the box! Come the end of the season it could prove to be a big moment as it was a very important three point in the battle for third spot.

“The next two years are about getting the experience. Once I get that trust from the gaffer and the boys if I can go in and play more regularly in the first team and show what I can do then. That’s what I’m looking to do. Getting on the pitch more and more will help me in the long term.

“But if I am not in the first team, I have to keep working hard every day in training.

“There’s always someone watching and it doesn’t matter whether I’m playing 18’s, Reserves or First Team, I’ve have always tried my best and showed my attitude as good as it is.

“I do play with a smile on my face! I always have done!

“Paul encourages me to enjoy it, but I just think that’s the type of player I am. I’m positive and I’m at my best when I’m looking to get on the ball, run directly at people, make opportunities and goals and that’s the type of player I am. I’m always encouraged to do that too, which is good.

“I think I’ve got to improve my final product and both Paul (Sheerin) and the gaffer’s said it to me. That’s what I’ll be working on and have been working on recently. I need to prove more assists and goals.

“We have all seen Connor McLennan become a regular in the first team after he got his chance. That’s what all the boys see and think ’that could be us’. Even Scott McKenna last year, he had to wait a bit longer, but the younger boys are getting the trust so we’re just hoping to continue that on. Hopefully I get my chance and take it.”

Congratulations on your new deal and your Development Player of the Year award Ethan!