SOMERSET Academy player Ben Green has signed a three-year professional contract with the club.

The 18-year-old, who progressed through the Devon age group system, has been a regular in the Somerset Second XI for the past two seasons and made his First XI debut in last month’s NatWest West T20 Blast fixture at Hampshire.

Green, who is a genuine all-rounder, has also represented England at Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 level.

After signing his contract, Green said: "I'm overjoyed and very happy to have signed a three-year contract to play cricket for Somerset.

"It has been my dream to play for Somerset ever since I can remember so I'm glad everything has come together in the way it has for me.

"So many people have helped me to get to where I am and I'd like to thank them all.

"I've had a huge amount of support from Devon. What really helped me when I was 15 was playing for them in the Minor Counties competition.

"I played for Devon before I played for Somerset Seconds and that was a big step up from playing in the age groups.

"That made it easier to make the transition into the second team and that will, hopefully, help me on my way to playing for the first team."

Somerset director of cricket Matt Maynard is delighted Green has signed for the county.

He said: “He has constantly impressed everyone throughout his time on the academy.

“Ben is an extremely talented cricketer and a genuine all-rounder.

"He has a superb attitude and could have a big future in the game.

"He thoroughly deserves to be a part of our professional staff.”