YOUNG Wanderers wide man Tom Walker hopes to pick up where he left off next season – still firmly in the first-team frame.

The 19-year-old Salfordian followed his fellow former youth teamer Zach Clough into Neil Lennon's plans in the second half of the season and his performances earned him a first professional contract last week.

It is just reward for the winger who also netted his first senior goal at Wigan after working his way up through the Whites ranks.

But the teenager is not about to rest on his laurels and is vowing to stay fit over the summer in a bid to stay in the side when the new campaign kicks off on August 8.

Walker told the club: “I want to be involved again next season, so fingers crossed I can push on from where I left off and start as I mean to go on come August.

“After the past couple of months though, I won’t be relaxing too much this summer – I’m determined to look after myself and come back fit and raring to go."

Walker admits it was a dream come true to forge his way into the first team under Lennon and after making his bow from the bench in January late on against Leeds, his first start in the home clash with Millwall in March was the beginning of a regular run in the side that would see him make 11 appearances in total.

A week after that full debut he netted his first goal in a 1-1 draw at the DW Stadium in front of more than 4,200 travelling Whites fans.

And the youngster, who netted a hat-trick when the youth team won 8-4 at Tottenham two years ago, admits it was the best feeling he has had in football to date.

Walker said: "After my goal against Wigan, it all went a bit mad – in all honesty, that was probably the best feeling I’ve ever had in football so far.

“It did all go a bit too quickly though – I don’t really remember too much apart from the ball hitting the back of the net and me running off to celebrate.

“It wasn’t the best of strikes, but I’ll take it.

"A goal is a goal at the end of the day and it was great to be able to celebrate it with all the fans behind the net who were fantastic.

“To score my first goal was special, but to do it in a local derby where it means so much to the supporters was even better.

“The fans have been great since I’ve been involved. Even when I leave the stadium after games, they’ve been there giving me nice messages and telling me that they appreciate my efforts, which is always nice."