CWMBRAN teenager Theo Wharton has signed a two-year professional contract with Cardiff City.

The 17-year-old son of former Cwmbran Town player and manager Sean Wharton made his first team debut for the Bluebirds in January’s FA Cup defeat at West Bromich Albion.

He has made giant strides since starting his apprenticeship at Cardiff City Stadium last July and has now signed his first professional deal ahead of schedule.

City manager Malky Mackay insists he has a big future ahead of him with the Championship play-off hopefuls.

“Theo is a young player with potential and we gave him a taste of something he has never been involved in before,” said Mackay after the West Brom match.

“He is a young boy with a big future.”

Wharton’s father Sean said: “We are extremely proud of Theo. To be offered a two-year pro contract when he’s only just started his apprenticeship shows how well he is doing and we are delighted.

“It’s been a big week for him because he passed his driving test and then signed this contract but he won’t get carried away,” he added.

“He knows how difficult it is to make it as a pro. He’s been a regular at youth level and has played for Wales under-17s. The next target for him is to be involved with the first team on a regular basis.”