LEWIS Koumas, the son of Tranmere Rovers favourite Jason, has signed his first professional contract with Liverpool at the age of 17.

The teenager joined the Reds as an U11 player from Tranmere Rovers and has played primarily as a striker for the U18 group this season.

His highlights include a four-goal haul against Middlesbrough on the opening day, a double against Manchester City and a goal against Dinamo Zagreb in the Premier League International Cup.

He can also play in midfield, a position where his father Jason thrived in a successful career, which took him to the Premier League and international football with Wales.

Born in Wrexham, Jason played for local youth sides during his primary school years, before joining the Liverpool Academy aged nine.

Jason played regularly alongside players such as Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen and was highly rated by the club. However, he did not sign Youth Training Scheme forms with the club, reportedly due to coaching staff refusing to play him in his preferred central midfield position, instead opting to join Tranmere Rovers.

He made his professional debut for Tranmere Rovers in the 1998–99 season. A series of impressive performances over the next four years won him many plaudits, including a place in the PFA Division Two team of the year for 2001–02.

Jason scored one of Tranmere's goals when they knocked out Merseyside rivals Everton in the 2000–01 FA Cup in a memorable 3–0 victory at Goodison Park.

In August 2002, his potential was spotted by then West Bromwich Albion manager, Gary Megson, who paid Rovers a fee of £2.25m to secure his services.

After a long and successful Jason was released by Wigan in 2011 and asked to train with Rovers as he attempted to rebuild his footballing career.

After a successful trial, he signed a one-year deal on 1 August. On 23 May 2014, Koumas signed a one-year extension.

Koumas announced his retirement in July 2015 having made a total of 178 league appearances for Rovers and scored 29 goals. 

He also played 34 times for Wales.