Boro young gun signs for Celtic

2:30pm Saturday 26th January 2008

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ONE of Middlesbrough's brightest prospects has signed a pre-contract agreement with Scottish Premier League champions Celtic.

Striker Ben Hutchinson has broken into Gareth Southgate's first team this season but his existing deal at the Riverside Stadium expires this summer.

And, having become frustrated at the club's failure to reward him for his progress, the 20-year-old has taken the step now to thrash out his future.

Hutchinson, who has made nine appearances for the Teessiders, has put pen to paper on a deal which will see him leave Boro in the summer.

It is understood that, after agreeing terms with Celtic, Middlesbrough could offload the forward now, provided the Bhoys come up with a suitable package.

Hutchinson joined Middlesbrough from non-league Arnold Town in 2006 and he scored on his Premier League debut, at Manchester City.

The youngster's decision has annoyed Middlesbrough, although the situation offers a reminder to the club that they should act now if they are to hand new contracts to the likes of David Wheater and Jonathan Grounds.

Both are Academy products who have stepped up to the first team level and their deals are due to run out at the end of the season.