Phoenix put faith in schoolboy

He may report to training in his school uniform, but Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Keegan Smith will soon be one of the pros.

The 18-year-old Scots College student, who was surprisingly handed the starting goalkeeper spot at the beginning of the 2017-18 Hyundai A-league season, has been locked down on a three-year contract.

As the Phoenix have already reached their limit of 23 professional players, Smith’s contract will initially begin as a youth scholarship before stepping up to a professional deal from next season onwards.

‘‘I don’t think any of us could have imagined how quickly this all happened,’’ said Smith, who made his debut against Adelaide United in round one.

‘‘It’s been a whirlwind but I’m just grateful to the coaches and the older boys in the team, they’ve really been fantastic, giving me little bits of advice - those words do go a long way, and they stay in your mind.

‘‘It’s every young footballer’s dream to sign a professional contract - it’s been a long-time goal of mine so I’m delighted to sign with Wellington Phoenix given the opportunities I’ve already had this season, and I’m looking forward to keeping on working.’’

Phoenix coach Darije Kalezic said it was Smith’s composure on the ball and calmness under pressure that gave him the edge over Lewis Italiano and Oli Sail, even though he did not have a professional contract and they did.

‘‘Keegan is a young Kiwi goalkeeper from our academy, who has the best qualities to support our way of playing,’’ Kalezic said.

After playing five games already, Smith’s next start could come against Perth Glory at Westpac Stadium on Sunday - the game played 24 hours after the All Whites face Peru in the first leg of their World Cup qualifiers.