Shropshire cricket ace and England under 19 international Dan Redfern has signed his first professional contract with Derbyshire.Redfern, who has just completed his A-Levels at Adams Grammar School in Newport, has signed a two-year contract which will run until the end of 2010.

The left-handed batsmen has made five first-class and eight limited overs appearances for the Phantoms since he made his first-team debut in 2006 at the age 16.

His most recent first-class performance was his best, the eighteen-year-old hitting 43 and 51 against a Northamptonshire attack containing international bowlers Lance Klusener and Nicky Boje.

Derbyshire’s head of cricket John Morris said: “Dan is an exceptionally talented young cricketer with everything in front of him so we are delighted to have given him his first professional contract.”

Redfern added: “All of the time spent on the Academy and working on my game has been geared towards the hope of earning a professional contract – I am delighted that it has now happened.

“I have enjoyed the tasters of first team cricket that I have been given so far and I am immensely looking forward to competing for a more regular place as a full-time professional.

“Derbyshire have shown a lot of faith in me and I am now aiming to repay that in runs and wickets.”

Redfern has represented Shropshire at all levels from under 10s to under 17s and made a century on his only senior appearance for the county.