PROMISING young midfielder Lucas Weir has put pen to paper to sign a contract with 1874 Northwich.
The son of former Everton and Scotland defender David Weir arrived at the club when he attended a trial hosted by its under-21 coaches back in 2018.
After impressing he made his way into the first team before leaving to continue his studies in the United States, returning in 2020 and becoming a regular starter.
Speaking about the contract, co-manager Wayne Goodison told the club's official website: "We think he's warranted this; he's done really well over the last few years he's been with us, and he's been at the forefront of what we've done since pre-season.
"This lets him know what we think about him and gives him that bit of security so he can carry on enjoying his football."
Goodison said the deal also showed young players that there was a pathway for them.
He added: "If any can apply themselves, prepare for games the way Lucas does and approach training in a similar way then there is every chance we can repeat this and welcome them into the team.
"There are a number of players with our U21s who we think potentially can make the step up - it is down to them.
"With the likes of Taylor Kennerley and now Lucas, this proves that the younger set up is a worthwhile exercise for us."
Weir, who is fast approaching a half-century of appearances with the team, told the website: "At the minute I'm enjoying my football and that's the main thing for me.
"I would like full-time football in the future but right now I'm playing every week in men's football, and I can't complain.
"We had a sticky start to the season but we're finding our feet as a team at this level. Over the last few weeks, we've played a few teams off the pitch and scored some good goals so hopefully we can keep that going."
Asked about the interest been shown in Weir, Goodison added: "There of course is interest, we've made the step up and proven that our players can compete at this level.
"We have good players; Lucas is capable of stepping up levels. He'll need the break and there is every chance he'll get that shot.
"As a club, we would be pleased with that. Some of the questions we're being asked about Lucas - it could happen for him in the next six months, if not he'll continue developing with us."