SCORING sensation Scott Yeaman has received an early birthday present from York Wasps- a professional contract.

The former Hull Kingston Rovers scrum-half signed a season-long deal last night, 11 days before his 20th birthday, as a reward for some top-notch displays.

He had been on trial at Huntington Stadium since January, but has been an ever-present since signing for the club, scoring four tries in as many games to become the Wasps' joint leading try-scorer alongside Shaun Austerfield.

Chief executive Ann Garvey said: "He's done pretty well for us while he's been here. Mark Cain moved to loose-forward where he's been doing an excellent job and we needed someone to fill the scrum-half role.

"Everyone is pleased with Scott's progress and, along with the likes of Carl Barrow, under the supervision of (coach) Leo Epifania he will improve.

"We decided that, rather than take him on as an amateur or extend his trial, we would sign him up before his trial finished at the end of February.

"We've been speaking to him for about a week and we've finally come to a deal."

After signing trial forms at Wasps, Yeaman was quickly thrown in at the deep end, making his debut in the tough away match at Rochdale just under four weeks ago.

He has scored in every match since then, taking his tally to four tries in four appearances with a touchdown in the Challenge Cup defeat by Villeneuve on Sunday.

A former Hull Boys junior, he is a former Academy player of the year at Hull KR having signed for the Robins in 1998, and was so highly rated that he was given a pro contract while still in the Academy.

However, he was released by the Robins as strength in depth for the number seven shirt meant he was down the pecking order at New Craven Park. The club, though, were keen for him to continue a professional career and recommended him to the Wasps.

Garvey said: "They had a lot of players at Hull KR and, although he was given the option of staying there, Scott did not want to wait for a chance in the first team.

"Rovers wanted to help him find another club and as we have a good working relationship with them, (Rovers coach) Gary Wilkinson asked if we were interested in having a look at him.

"We have now signed him on for the season, with the option of extending his contract come the end of the campaign."

Updated: 11:56 Friday, February 15, 2002