Teenage striker Angelo Balanta has put pen-to-paper on his first professional contract with Queens Park Rangers Football Club.

The 17 year-old Colombian, who has made three appearances since graduating from the Under-18 squad earlier this season, has inked a deal that keeps him at the Club until the summer of 2010.

Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Balanta said: "It has always been a dream of mine to become a professional footballer.

"I am very grateful to the Club and especially Mr De Canio, who has shown his faith in me already this season.

"I just want to go on and establish myself in his First Team plans as soon as possible."