LUKE JEPHCOTT has become the fifth member of the Argyle Under-18 team that reached the last 16 of last season’s FA Youth Cup to graduate as a Home Park professional.
The Cornish-born forward completes a quintet of last season’s apprentices to graduate to the pro ranks, after Michael Cooper, Harry Hodges, Ryan Law and Cameron Sangster signed similar deals.
Luke said: “It's a dream come true for me.
"I just can't wait to get back into it. It's been six weeks off and it feels a lot longer. I want to get my head down and look forward to the season ahead."
Luke’s elevation to the paid ranks comes after a season which ended on a personal high after he was called up to represent Wales Under-19s in May’s Slovakia Cup, where he started in three of the four games
That followed being named in the first-team squad for the final Sky Bet League One game of last season at Gillingham only to have to withdraw because of his international call.
"If you do well in training, you know you are going to get rewarded for it.," said Luke. "The manager has shown that he's not afraid to throw people in there.
"May aim for the season is to be involved more."
Luke was picked up by Argyle after coming through the Brannel School Development Centre and representing West Cornwall Schools and playing for Wendron.
He impressed throughout for the Academy, scoring vital goals and netting in the FA Youth Cup penalty shoot-out win against Manchester City.
He first came to prominence scoring five goals in five matches in the Pilgrims’ 2014-15 Northern Ireland Milk Cup campaign.
He made his Under-18s debut during the 2015-16 season and contributed to the successful South West Youth Alliance campaign.