Goran-Babic-Player

RISING star Goran Babic insists it is a “massive step in my career” to pen his first professional contract with Saints. The 17-year-old has put pen to paper on a deal at St Mary’s which runs until 2023. Having signed from Brentford back in 2015, the central midfielder has become a regular feature in Saints’ under-18 side this season. Babic, who has already represented Serbia at age-group international level, told the club website: “It’s a very proud moment for me and my family. “This is something I’ve been working for my whole life so it’s a massive step in my career and I’m looking forward to what comes. “It’s been an amazing five-six years at the club, I want to thank all the coaches and the staff for getting me to this point. A lot of work has gone into improving me as a player and as a person. I’m delighted with the difference they’ve made in my career. “As well as footballing ability and technical skill, they’ve taught me to become a better person, how to deal with my emotions, how to speak to other people and respect others. I really do owe a lot of this to them so, thank you. “In the short term I’m hoping to progress into the B team next season and be in and around the first team. “In the next five-six years I want to be a standard first team player, that’s what I hope to achieve. “I hope to have a successful pre-season with my age group and obviously get back from injury quickly and soon be part of the B team squad, hopefully.”