He was part of Sunderland’s academy from the age of 12 to 16 before a stint with Doncaster Rovers, where he regularly trained with the senior side.

The midfielder earned a senior contract after impressing the Shields management team in training over recent weeks.

Manager Graham Fenton told https://southshieldsfc.co.uk: “We’re absolutely delighted Will has committed his future to the club.

“He has turned down a fantastic opportunity of a scholarship in the United States to sign for the club and from our point of view, he has thoroughly deserved this chance.

“Will started training with the Academy after being released by Doncaster and made a huge impression straightaway, hence he was given the chance to step up to the first-team.

“We have been impressed with how quickly and easily he has stepped up to that level.

“He is a midfielder with fantastic awareness and quality on the ball, and although he is a fairly small player he uses his body exceptionally well to maintain possession for the team.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how he progresses over the next few years at the club but have really high hopes that he’s going to do exceptionally well.

“We know he has a really good grounding having been at Sunderland and Doncaster, and it’s now time for him to force his way into a senior team with us here at South Shields”.