TEENAGE Academy striker Freddie Ladapo has signed his first professional contract with Colchester United.

Ladapo has impressed for the youth team and reserves over the last couple of years, and he netted both goals in the U’s second string’s 2-0 win over a West Ham XI yesterday afternoon.

Manager John Ward confirmed the news, during this morning’s press conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Wycombe.

“Freddie (Ladapo) has just signed a pro contract,” explained Ward.

“He signed at the start of the week, which is nice. That will take him through to next season.

“What we have agreed with Freddie is that he signs that contract now, and as a professional he will now go to work with the senior players.

“He had been out on loan at Maldon, but we brought him back from that.

“We are now looking to progress him, and we had a very nice response from him (against West Ham), showing the reason why we offered him that contract.”

London-born Ladapo first shot to prominence two years ago, when scoring both goals in the U’s Essex Senior Cup Final victory over Hornchurch.