Northern Ireland teenager Jack Patterson comically mocked his own hairstyle after signing his first professional contract with Everton.
The former Crusaders and Greenisland FC midfielder has penned a three-year deal with the Premier League club.
Patterson currently plays for Everton Under 18s and his new deal will take him to the summer of 2025.
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The 17-year-old couldn't resist poking fun at his own haircut after posing for a contract photograph for Everton's official website.
He joked: "Delighted to have signed my first professional contract. Could have told me about it so I could have got my haircut."
The pro contract is a major deal for the youngster who joined Everton from Crusaders this summer.
The Toffees said on their website: "Northern Ireland youth international Patterson joined the Blues this summer from Irish Premiership side Crusaders, where he holds the record as the club’s youngest-ever player.
"Patterson made his senior debut for the Belfast-based team aged just 15 years and 78 days in January 2021."
Patterson, 17, praised the influence of Under 18 head coach Leighton Baines after admitting he had quickly settled into life at Everton.
“To get a professional contract as a footballer is every young boy’s dream,” Patterson told evertonfc.com.
“It means so much to me, my family, and everyone back in my hometown of Ballyclare.
“I’ve settled in very well ever since I joined Everton in the summer. From day one, the players have really taken me in. It feels like I’ve been here for years.
“I’ve really enjoyed working with Leighton Baines. He’s a very humble and down-to-earth person. He’s one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met in football and I love playing for him.
“He understands the game so well. I remember him as a player and he was incredible, so it’s great to learn from someone who has been there and done it at the highest level.”
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