We begin our series of Academy profiles with a look into the Coventry City die-hard Ivor Lawton...
Coventry City will be welcoming Academy products Ivor Lawton, Jack Finch and Ryan Haynes into the full first-team set-up next season after they signed their first professional deals with the club.
The three players featured regularly at Under-21s level last season and have impressed manager Steven Pressley enough to keep them at the club next season.
If you don't know much about the three youngsters, don't worry because we've got it covered!
The Coventry City award-winning match-day programme PUSB profiled every Academy player during the 2013/14 season with a series of introductory questions and we've made the profiles available at www.ccfc.co.uk, starting with midfielder Ivor Lawton.
Ivor Lawton's Academy profile
Name: Ivor Lawton
Age: 18
Position: Midfielder
Where are you from?
Allesley Park in Coventry.
When did you first join the Coventry City Academy and how did it come about?
When I was six-years-old. I was playing for my Sunday league team Mount Nod when a scout came to watch me.
I had been playing in tournaments, getting my name out there and playing up a year.
What’s the best part about being in the Academy?
Just getting paid to do something I love, which is playing football.
What is it like training with the first team?
Unreal. It was very good to get in and around it and there is a big difference.
It shows that I am good enough for the coaches to put me in there and that gives you the confidence to progress.
Who was your footballing hero growing up?
Roy Keane. I’m a similar sort of player with the same passion, determination and desire, he was a captain too.
I started off as a centre-back and have played in every position but centre-midfield is definitely my strongest and I have been there for about four or five years now.
Do you model yourself on anyone now?
Off the pitch, Lee Carsley, in terms of lifestyle and the way he approaches the game.
He always ate the right things, got early nights and prepared properly. He shows that all of us can get to the top level with the right attitude.
What is your biggest strength on the pitch?
My energy, as a box-to-box midfielder, and my passing.
What do you need to work on?
My left foot and my banter.
What is your ambition for this season?
To get into the first team.
What is your ultimate ambition?
To play in the Premier League. Also, I would like to represent either England or the Republic of Ireland at international level.
I was born in England and have always lived in Coventry but I know it would make my parents proud if I was to play for the Republic of Ireland.
What are your interests outside football?
PS3, FIFA and Call of Duty mainly, socialising with friends and family and going to watch the first team.
I am a die-hard Coventry fan and have always had a season ticket. I used to go to Highfield Road and remember watching the likes of Callum Davenport and Gary McSheffrey.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise your team-mates?
My favourite film is the Lion King. I just like the way he comes back at the end.