Bremen secures teen's future

The youngster made his first-team debut in Bremen's home game against Bayer Leverkusen recently having spent the northern winter training with the senior squad.

As a reward, he has been given a two-and-a-half-year contract and will now continue to train with the first team.

"We are delighted to be able to give another talented youngster an opportunity to develop with us," said Bremen's director of sport Klaus Allofs.

"We are convinced that Niclas has the potential to make the breakthrough with us."

Fullkrug, who has played for Bremen's youth teams since he was 16, is keen to take the chance he has been given to make a name for himself.

"This is obviously fantastic" he said. "After I made my Bundesliga debut, I said that I really wanted more.

"This is a big chance for me to make my dream come true and now it is all down to me."