Reggie Lambe has vowed to break into Ipswich Town's first team with the Bermuda international set to sign his first professional contract with the club.

Lambe has enjoyed an outstanding season at both youth and reserve levels for the English League Championship team and has been rewarded with at least a one-year deal, The Royal Gazette understands.

The 18-year-old midfielder joined the Tractor Boys as an academy scholar two years ago and accepts his football life will inevitably become more business-like now he has been offered a shot at the big time.

"I've just had a brilliant season and to be offered a professional contract is a dream come true for me," said Lambe, who scored four goals for Bermuda against St. Martin in the Digicel Cup.

"By turning professional my life will change and football will become a lot more serious now. I know I've got to start eating the right food and prepare for games properly. We're still negotiating the terms of my contract but it will at least be for one year."

Spotted by Ipswich scouts while playing for Bermuda's youth team in Holland, Lambe initially found the going tough in the UK and admits he was off the pace during his first year at the Suffolk club's academy.

But after hitting the gym to bulk up his slight frame he adapted to the 'muck and nettles' nature of the English game and was one of only two scholars to be tied to professional contracts at Portman Road.

"I've spent two years at the academy and my game has come on so much in that time," Lambe said. "In my first year at the club I struggled especially in terms of the game's strength and speed, but I've improved so much and I can definitely see myself playing for their first team.

"I've been doing a lot of weight training as I need to be stronger and to be more powerful in the games. However I'm cautious not to do too much as I don't want to lose my speed."

Bermuda's brightest young football talent returns to the Island next month and plans to play for the national Under-23 team during their series of matches against Bermuda Hogges' USL-D2 opposition.

"I haven't spoken to Derek (Broadley) about playing for Bermuda Under-23s this summer but it's certainly something I'd like to do," he said.

Earlier this year, Bermuda winger Tyrell Burgess signed a two-year contract at USL-D1 team Vancouver Whitecaps, while striker John Barry Nusum joined USL-D2 outfit Crystal Palace Baltimore as a full-time professional.