The midfielder, 18, has penned a three-year deal that will keep him in East Lancashire until the summer of 2029.

Ball has been in Rovers’ ranks since Under-8 level and impressed last season during his first year as a scholar.

He started all five games as the Under-18s reached the FA Youth Cup semi-final, losing to eventual winners Manchester City.

Ball has also become a regular feature in the Under-21 squad and has even worn the captain’s armband for Paul Butler's side.

“As soon as I got the offer, I knew Blackburn Rovers was what I wanted,” he told RoversTV. “As a little boy growing up, it’s always been my dream to be a footballer. In my head, it’s not done and it’s just a stepping stone to push on now.

“You have those steps as you grow up, you have the scholarship, you then get your two years, but this is the big one now, particularly at my age, 18, and getting that professional contract, which is the one everyone wants.

“When I joined at eight, I was welcomed straight away and I knew straight away that this was the club I wanted to play for. I wanted to walk out at Ewood and I think that’s shown in the 10 years just how special this club is to me.

“I think the environment we have here, waking up and going about my day, it’s never boring, everyone’s smiling and everyone’s happy," he admitted, hailing the culture at the Academy.

“I was looking back at a few pictures with my family over the weekend and seeing me in the old Rovers kits, it feels like that time has flown by.

“All of those years of my family driving me to training and taking time off from work to support me, it feels like it’s all been worth it.

“Looking back, it makes you smile and I feel so grateful for their support, because I wouldn’t be where I am now without them."