Boss Rob Smith has strengthened his AFC Telford United attack with an eve-of-season swoop for young striker Jarred Stevens.The 18-year-old has agreed non-contract terms with the Bucks after his release from Birmingham City, and goes straight into the squad for tomorrow’s Blue Square North opener at Stalybridge Celtic.

Smith has been eager to recruit an extra forward since losing Matty Lewis to a broken leg in the pre-season friendly against Cheltenham.

He believes he may have unearthed a real gem in Stevens, who started his career at Plymouth Argyle.

“I’ve seen him play for Birmingham a few times and I didn’t think he would get released,” said Smith.

“There’s been a few clubs in for him and so we had to get in pretty quick.

“We’ve got him on non-contract and we’ve said to him that if anyone from a higher level comes in we won’t stand in his way.

“He’s quick and quite aggressive. He’s a real handful and, even though he’s very raw, he’s got something about him.

“There’s been a fair bit of interest from the league above but he’s really enjoyed the two training sessions he’s had with us.”

Stevens is likely to be on the bench at Stalybridge, though Smith’s options have also been reduced by an injury to defender-cum-midfielder Carl Rodgers.

The former Colwyn Bay man is struggling with a calf strain and is rated at no better than 50/50 by his manager.

Smith is still looking forward to getting under way, though, declaring: “It will be a cracking game. It’s about as hard a game as we could have to start but we are ready.

“Stalybridge have made a lot of changes – they’ve added some quality but they’ve lost some players as well.

“I still think they’ll be up there at the end of the season and I’d put my mortgage on them being in the top five.”

By Chris Hudson