WARRINGTON Wolves boss Tony Smith expects Declan Patton to be making his first-team debut before too long.

The 19-year-old former Latchford Albion half back, who has impressed in Wolves' table-topping under 19s Academy side this season, has now signed a full-time contract with the club.

Smith said: “I’ve been enjoying watching Declan develop.

"He’s had a fantastic season with the under 19s so we are delighted to offer him a contract and invite him to start on a full-time basis with us in training.

"He’s a terrific young prospect for the future and I think, as we’ve seen with some of the other young guys who have come in, it won’t take him long to make his first appearance in the first grade. I am looking forward to that day.”

Patton, who has put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal, has made 18 appearances so far this season, crossing for eight tries, kicking 45 goals and two drop goals.

Patton and the under 19s are in action this Sunday at The Halliwell Jones Stadium when they face St Helens in a curtain raiser, kick-off noon, to the Super League clash with Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

The academy side have only lost once this season.