Talented Town starlet Banton signs his first pro deal with the Hatters

The highly-rated 17-year-old striker has impressed manager John Still in a number of behind-closed-doors development games this season and has signed a deal until May 2015.

Still told the club’s official website: “Since I came to the club I’ve kept an eye on our young players’ development and Zane certainly impressed me during pre-season.

“He’s gone from strength-to-strength since the season has begun in development games and for the youth team.

“He’s the one who has put himself in the position to earn a professional contract. He’s shown great progress and has got great potential. He’s worked hard, has got bags of enthusiasm and scores goals.

“Working alongside the senior professionals will help him develop even further.

“Zane, though, is not alone. Charlie Smith and Arel Amu have also impressed me and I will continue to monitor their progress with the help of my staff and youth team manager Paul Driver.”

Banton was previously on the books at Watford and scored 16 goals in his first year as a scholar as Town’s youth team finished third in the Youth Alliance last season.

He has made a great start to this season too, scoring two goals in three starts for the U18s netting twice as a substitute in the development squad’s 3-1 win over Stevenage last month.