The 18-year-old central defender signed for the Canaries in 2006 and since then has been a regular in their academy set-up, and also
appeared for the reserves.

Academy spokesperson Ross Wilson was elated to see the long-term target finally confirm the deal. "We have been aware of Paul for some time and
I am thrilled he has decided to sign for us," he said. "Paul has captained a championship side for the last two years and is a very good player."

With one signing secured, Ross and the rest of the Academy staff are waiting for a decision on three other targets, while one offer has been withdrawn.

"We have made steady progress with two players from the English Premier League. When their season finishes they will make a decision on their future," Ross explained.

"Although we are confident they will sign for us, it just shows how far we have come in recent years to be competing with these clubs for players in the first place.

"The signing of a Swedish player is still being held up by paperwork and last week we pulled the plug on a deal for an Australian defender.

"We had given his agent a second final deadline last week, and since we never heard anything we withdrew the offer."

No doubt, one of the attractions of the Falkirk Academy which will be
impressed upon signing targets is the prospect of progressing to the first team. And that was highlighted on Monday night as Chris Mitchell made his first-team start, joining three other graduates in the Bairns line-up for their victory over Hearts.

"Chris is a great lad that everyone has a lot of time for," said Ross. "He deserved his chance, took it with both hands and had an excellent debut.

"I know he was quite happy with how he played as well."

It was also a successful night for Tam Scobbie, who got on the scoresheet for only the second time in his Bairns career, while Scott Arfield also performed with distinction.

"That was Tam's second goal for the club", said Ross. "He has been suffering with an injury for a few months now, but has wanted to keep playing on throughout.

"He has had a great season and, although Scott Arfield may have stolen some of the headlines, Tam deserves a lot of credit. Scott had one great trick on the night, which was something like Messi would pull off, and he just continues to get better and better."

The Academy also recently announced plans to expand its recruitment team as part of the search for new talent.

"When we came in we knew we had to develop the recruitment team, and it has improved slightly," said Ross.

"But now we need to kick on and expand our scouts not just across Central Scotland, but across the whole country."

On Tuesday the under-19s went down 2-1 to Celtic reserves, with Paul Stewart on the scoresheet. Today (Thursday) the Falkirk Futures take on Aberdeen reserves in Linlithgow, kick-off is at 2 p.m.

For the final home game this season against Inverness Caley, fans will also have a chance to see the large number of Academy personnel, as they are paraded at half-time.