Blues' newest professional Jacob Rowe has spoken of his determination to figure in Alex McLeish's plans this season.

The club's Academy Player of the Year put pen-to-paper on a one-year contract at St. Andrew's on Tuesday morning.

And the talented centre-half, who is 18-years-old, revealed his contract delight exclusively to bcfc.com.

"It feels really good that I have signed my new contract and it shows that if you work really hard you get your rewards for it," he said.

"Most of the lads have been at the Academy since a young age but I only came in at 16 and I have been fortunate to have been offered a professional deal."

Pre-season training begins at Wast Hills next week and Rowe is raring to put his boots on and get into the thick of the action.

"This season I know I have got to put my head down and work even harder," he revealed.

"It should be good and be good to see how I can do. If I can't break into the first team hopefully I will go out on loan this season and really kick on again to make something of myself.

"The gaffer has helped me out in training individually and with my centre-back partner Dan Preston - we have been working on the timing of headers and various things I need to add to my game."