When Mitch Walker was announced as one of the substitutes for Albion’s last home game against Stockport, fans familiar only with the first team were wondering if Russell Slade had made another signing.

Walker thought it could not get much better at such an early stage of his career than being listed alongside the likes of Adam Virgo and Nicky Forster.

It just has. As well as being included in the first team squad, the highly-rated goalkeeper has already been awarded a two-year professional contract.

Not bad for someone only a third of the way through his final year as a scholar, who does not celebrate his 18th birthday until next month.

Walker, born in Hertfordshire but based in Crawley Down since he was a toddler, has quickly been identified as one for the future by manager Slade.

“I have been very aware of Mitch and the progress he has made since I have been here,” Slade said.

“He really impressed me in the Sussex Senior Cup final at the end of the season and he has come back stronger and fitter.

“Tony Godden (goalkeeping coach) feels he is making real progress and that deserved rewarding with a professional contract.”

The 6ft 2ins Walker was preferred to first year pro Josh Pelling as cover for Graeme Smith against Stockport, with Michel Kuipers suspended for his red card at Huddersfield.

The pro contract prize completed a memorable few days for the former Imberhorne School pupil.

Walker said: “It still hasn’t sunk in yet. It has been one of the best weeks of my life.

“It’s come as a massive surprise because I still have eight months to go with the youth team.

“This is what I have wanted to do since I was little. I was a striker when I first started playing but that didn’t really click and my dad and grandad were goalkeepers.

“I support Arsenal, so I used to watch David Seaman all the time. Nowadays it's David James. He has been around for ages but he is still in fantastic shape.”

The last Albion goalkeeper to be singled out in similar fashion was Richard Martin.

He was eventually released and is now with League One rivals Yeovil, via a spell with Manchester City.

Walker is determined he will be around for longer and aims to establish himself by the time the Seagulls move to Falmer.

“Most people think I have made it but this is where the hard work begins,” he said. “Now everybody is looking at me. I am going to knuckle down in training and try to push myself into the first team. It would be a dream come true to play in the new stadium, absolutely fantastic.”