Two-Year Deal For Minstermen`s Young Keeper

The 17-year-old has attracted interest from a number of high-profile clubs, including Manchester City, in the last couple of years and has also attended a training camp for young English players at the Football Association's National Football Centre.

"It's a dream come true to sign my first pro contract," Whitley told the club`s official website. "Hopefully, I can carry on now and break into the first-team."

Whitley's progress was hampered by a knee injury last season but he has fully recovered now and a promising career is back on track.

"It was a hard time for me and my family last year but to get to where I am now is positive for everyone involved. I had to be mentally strong to get through it and I had to work hard."

On his target for the next two seasons, Whitley said: "I want to try to break into the first team whether this year or next. That's my aim. I need to work hard to do to that, play well, and hopefully something might happen."

Whitley praised the club's goalkeeping coach Andy Collett for helping to improve his game this season.

"He has made a very big impression on me. I can feel myself becoming a better goalkeeper," he said. "Andy coming in has definitely made me a better goalkeeper."

Youth team manager Steve Torpey, meanwhile, said: "It's great news that Ryan has agreed to sign a two-year deal. I am really pleased for him and the football club.

"He has worked his socks off over these last 18 months and I wouldn't be surprised if he starts pushing for the first team soon. He has got all the attributes to be a professional footballer," he said.

Whitley has featured for the reserve team last season after recovering from a dislocated knee, but is yet to make his senior debut.