BURNLEY have handed first-year scholars Cameron Howieson and Luke Conlan their first professional contracts, with both penning two-year deals at Turf Moor.

The duo have impressed in league and cup this season, playing key roles in the youth team reaching the FA Youth Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years.

First team manager Eddie Howe said: “We believe it’s vitally important that we produce our own players and this is another important step in that direction.

“Cameron and Luke have both done very well this season and deserve the contracts they have been given.

“We believe both are very promising players who will develop further from working more regularly with the first-team squad.

“It has been an excellent season at youth level and we believe there are few who are good enough to make the step up.”

Attacking midfielder Howieson, 17, joined Burnley last summer from the Asia Pacific Football Academy in New Zealand after previously playing his club football for Mosgiel.

Left-back Conlan, also 17, is a Northern Ireland Under 19 international who also joined the Clarets last summer from Grosvenor Youth.

The pair follow midfielder Steven Hewitt in progressing to the professional ranks at Turf Moor and agreeing deals until June 2014.