UCD's Dylan Watts has become the latest Irish player to sign for a Premier League side after completing a deal with champions Leicester City.
The 18-year-old featured during the Student's run in the Europa League qualifying rounds - whilst also completing his fifth year in secondary school - last year and joins the Foxes on an undisclosed fee.
"I'm really looking forward to the challenges ahead," he said in a statement. "It is a big opportunity for me, and it is brilliant to be joining the Premier League champions.
"I'd like to thank Collie [O'Neill], Pat [Devlin] and Evan for giving me my opportunity in the first team and I owe a lot to them for believing in me at such a young age. Also to the players and all the staff around UCD who were fantastic during my time there."
#lcfc have signed Republic of Ireland youth international Dylan Watts from UCD.
More: https://t.co/0wSZ2TbyWa pic.twitter.com/FWG3xVeVYc
— Leicester City (@LCFC) September 1, 2016
Watts, who has only just completed his Leaving Cert, is originally from Blackrock in Dublin, joined the UCD U19 side from St Kevin's Boys in 2014. Prior to this he was with St Joseph's Boys in Sallynoggin.
The midfielder has made 20 appearances for the club this season, notching two goals in the process.
"Dylan is one of the best players I've ever had the pleasure of working with, technically very good with good quick feet," said UCD boss, Collie O'Neill.
"He's made great strides in the last 2 years from not being a regular in our U19's to being one of the first names I put on the teamsheet for the first team. If he continues to make the same progression, then there's no reason why he can't eventually make his premiership debut."
He was also part of the U19s side which lifted the Enda McGuill Cup winning side in 2014/15 season.
He was one of four UCD AFC players who were involved in the Ireland Schools side which won the Centenary Shield in 2015, and was also called up to Paul Doolin's Irish under 19 side for their UEFA European under 19 Championship Qualifiers in November where he started all three games.
Watts will now link up with the Club’s Development Squad, who next face Liverpool on Sunday 11 September (2pm kick-off) in Premier League 2.
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