Youngster Hakeem Signs Pro-Deal Ahead of Rams Checkatrade Trip

Mansfield Town youngster Zayn Hakeem has signed his first ever professional contract at the club, ahead of the Stags final group game of the Checkatrade Trophy this evening at Derby County.

The 17 year old striker has been in good form for John Dempster’s Youth Team and has recently returned from international duty, playing for Antigua and Barbuda Under 20s, scoring two goals whilst in the Caribbean.

Hakeem, who made his professional debut as a second half substitute against Cambridge United on the final day of last season, heaped praise on boss Adam Murray and the Stags coaching staff “The gaffer is very good with the players. He helps us, he almost guides us; he knows we’re not going to be the finished article at the moment but he helps us when we come in to get a bond with the team to be confident.”

“I’m still getting used to it now but it’s better when you’ve got coaches like Karl (Hawley) and Coops (Richard Cooper) who keep encouraging you and keep helping you. Even if you do have a bad session, they keep giving you confidence and you keep going every day.”

It’s unknown if Hakeem will be a part of this evenings side who travel to the iPro Stadium to face Derby County Under 23s, however boss Murray has confirmed the side will include young defender Kieran Harrison following a string of good performances for the youth team.

An outright defeat for Murray's side will see them out of competition, whilst numerous permutations stand in the way of qualification - for all the details join Matt Freeman this evening from 6pm on Sports Beat   

Click HERE for more local sport.