New pro contract for Rovers star Mark

Last week we brought you the news that goalkeeper Conor Mitchell has renewed his contract at Premiership Club Burnley, now we can reveal that another of our young startlets across the water is also celebrating some good news.

Blackburn Rovers star, Mark Edgar (18), son of former Coleraine player, David Edgar, has been at Ewood Park for the past two years.

This week Mark was beaming to announce that he has been offered his first professional contract with the Blackburn Club.

The big defender, who was involved with the Northern Ireland Under 19’s last month, has had a number of run outs for Rovers Reserves this year.

Edgar has featured for the U21 Reserves side three times and eleven times this season for the Academy Under 18’s.

Speaking to Times Sport, Mark, a former pupil of Coleraine Inst, paid tribute to his parents Davy and Eleanor, thanking them for their support.

“Ever since I was able to kick a ball, I dreamed about becoming a professional footballer,” admitted Mark, who previously played with local club Bertie Peacock Youths. It’s difficult being over here away from family, but when you are handed a new contract, a professional contract his time, it shows that the hard work has paid off.”

Mark, who admits that he misses his mum’s home cooking, went on: “I would like to say a big thank you to my mum and dad for guiding me along the righ path to this success. They have also kept my feet firmly on the ground,” said the teenager.

Mark has grabbed five goals so far this season.

But as he reflected on his second year at Ewood Park, the he told Times Sport that one game has stood out for him this season.

“We had a 4-4 draw against Sunderland, I scored the first goal in the game and then the equaliser to make it 4-4 to give my team a well deserved point. It was also good to be involved in the FA Youth Cup this year, although we were beaten.

Mark commented on the difference between youth football here and in England. The football here is at a completely different level, and that’s no disrespect to local players back home. Players as young as six are training five times a week here - whereas in Northern Ireland are only training once a week with a match on a Saturday.”