Local lad signs a professional contract at Peterborough United

The teenage forward has agreed a one-year deal with option for a further year after an excellent season playing for Posh Under 18s and Under 21s.

McWilliams-Marcano said: "I am really pleased. I enjoyed the challenges of last season across both the Under 18s and the Under 21s, for me, it is about working hard, working on my processes in training and continuing to improve under the excellent coaches we have at the club."

Posh Academy director Dan Robinson added: “It is a well deserved opportunity for Benji. He has worked incredibly hard on and off the pitch. He comes from a lovely family who support him brilliantly and is another example of a player who has benefitted from a wonderful relationship with Nene Park Academy."

Academy coach Ryan Semple said: “Benji has been with us a long while now and during his two-year scholarship he has progressed really well. In the second half of last season he really came into his own, firstly in the Under 18s, creating and scoring a lot of goals. He is a really dynamic player who wants to get on the outside and get balls into the box, but he also got on the end of crosses from the other side.

"He was then introduced into Under 21 football and carried on that form. I am absolutely delighted that he has been rewarded with this contract and look forward to helping him develop."