Grimsby Town have rewarded teenage defender Matthew Bird with his first professional contract.The young centre-half, forced to cut short a trial with Manchester United through injury earlier in the season, has committed himself to the Mariners until 2010.

Grimsby youth team coach Neil Woods said: "He's got great potential. He's 6ft 1in, left-footed, got good pace, and I think that it's the right move at this time for Matthew and for us."

Bird, who has struggled with a series of injuries during the early stages of his career, has been attracting interest from several other clubs.

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