Samuel Duruh signs first professional contract

Striker Samuel Duruh has penned his first professional deal with Kilmarnock Football Club, admitting it’s a “dream come true”.

The 17-year-old has featured prominently for our Under 18 and Reserve squads this season – and has impressed enough to win a deal until 2026.

Born in Nigeria, Duruh moved to Spain at a young age where he played Boys Club football until the age of 8, before landing in Lanarkshire to sign with Motherwell.

After four years at the Fir Park side’s academy his time came to an end, he then joined Killie at 15.

Duruh told the club’s website: “I am delighted. I’ve waited for this moment and it’s happened. I am just happy to get a chance to play for Kilmarnock and represent the club.

“It’s a dream come true, you work so hard and when it finally happens, you’re just delighted to be honest.

“I was so determined to get this deal, I just want more now to be honest. I want to achieve great things and help the club do well going forward.”

Duruh added: “I feel like this is a perfect place for you to start your career as a young person and kick off.

“At the moment I look at David Watson and Bobby Wales who show that there’s opportunities and you just need to work hard and take them.”

Duruh watched his Under 18s teammate Cole Burke get a taste of the first team as he was featured on the bench against Hearts.

Duruh said: “Yeah, I’ve trained with him so I know how good he is. And I just know that if I can push myself, I can hopefully achieve that.