TEENAGE sensation Johnny Flynn has finally sealed his dream move to English Premier League outfit, Blackburn Rovers.

The West Belfast defender signed a three-and-a-half year contract at the Lancashire club on Monday, after having been on trial at Ewood Park before Christmas.

Flynn, who was accompanied on the trip to Lancashire by United boss Tommy Wright, met Rovers reserve team manager, former Watford and Sheffield United winger Glyn Hodges, and members of the club's coaching staff.

"It's a great opportunity for me and one that I'm really looking forward to. I owe a lot to Tommy, David Dorian and everyone else who helped me at Ballymena," added Flynn.

United boss Wright said: "Nothing fazes Johnny, even when he was over there to sign, and that is one of his biggest strengths.

"He has good habits which he must now maintain and he will improve further with full-time training and coaching.

"I know he will work hard but, like anybody in any walk of life, he will just need a wee bit of good luck at the right times and who knows what he can achieve," added Tommy.

No fee has been disclosed for the transfer but a number of lucrative tie-ins, relating to Johnny's progress both for Blackburn and in the event of him gaining international recognition, have also been included in the package. A visit by Rovers to the Showgrounds for a friendly match may also be a possibility.

Flynn’s rise to prominence is even more remarkable given that he was playing Reserve team football last season – as the Northern Ireland Under-19 defender was a key figure in United’s reserves winning the league last season.

He made his first team debut against Glentoran in only September, before marking his full debut with a goal only the following week against Crusaders in the semi-finals of the County Antrim Shield.

Everyone at Ballymena United would like to wish Johnny all the best for his future career in England.