Harambee Stars-eligible defender Okello Bartley has signed his first professional contract with Nottingham Forest after turning 17.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsForest confirmed that the highly rated academy defender has agreed to a deal that will keep him at the club until at least June 2029.##NAJAVA_MECA_10010062##Born in the UK to a Kenyan father and a British mother, Bartley remains eligible to represent Harambee Stars in the future should he choose to commit his international career to Kenya.Bartley joined Forest's pre-academy programme at the age of seven and has progressed through the club's youth ranks.Victor Wanyama keen on improving Kenyan footballThe defender has established himself as an important member of the Under-18 side, starting all seven of their matches so far this season.His performances have also earned him international recognition, with Bartley representing England at youth level.##NAJAVA_MECA_10010077##Forest Head of Academy Chris McGuane believes the contract is a fitting reward for the progress Bartley has made since joining the club as a seven-year-old."We are delighted that Okello has signed his first professional contract. It is a reward for his hard work and consistency throughout his development at the club."McCarthy on why it will be difficult for Harambee Stars to win 2027 AFCONMcGuane also praised Bartley's character and attitude, noting the youngster's desire to continue improving both on and off the pitch."Okello is a fantastic individual who has represented England at youth level and has an incredible desire to develop as both a player and a person. He embodies the values of the club and has a strong family support network around him."##NAJAVA_MECA_10010051##The academy chief further outlined the qualities that have helped Bartley establish himself as a key player at Under-18 level, particularly his composure and ability to read danger."He is a composed defender with an excellent ability to sense danger and the defensive attributes to excel within our programme."Youngster on why he decamped AFC Leopards for Migori YouthWith Bartley now taking the next step in his career, McGuane stressed that the teenager understands the work required to make further progress and assured him of the academy's continued support."He understands the hard work and commitment required as he progresses, and everyone at the Academy looks forward to supporting him through the next chapter of his career at Nottingham Forest."Harambee Starlets annihilate Seychelles 11-0 in Olympic qualifier