Striker Jarred Stevens has rejected the chance of a run-out for a Conference reserve team in order to focus on making his mark at AFC Telford United.

The 18-year-old made an encouraging debut as a second half substitute in Tuesday’s 4-2 victory over Hinckley and was hoping to feature in this afternoon’s clash with Blyth Spartans.

Stevens had been linked with a number of bigger clubs before agreeing to sign for the Bucks – but boss Rob Smith is hopeful he will remain at Telford for the foreseeable future.

The former Stoke, Plymouth and Birmingham youngster is currently behind Terry Fearns and Andy Brown in the pecking order and has been sat alongside fellow striker Lee Moore on the bench.

But Smith believes he will get his opportunity to shine if he shows patience and keeps working hard.

“He turned down the chance to play for a Conference club’s reserve team in a match on Wednesday because he wants to get his head down and play for us at the moment.

“That’s what we want, and it’s a long, long season so I dare say he will get his chance – he looked great in training on Thursday.

“Terry Fearns and Andy Brown are in there at the moment but they know they can’t afford a bad game because we’ve got Jarred and Mooro waiting in the wings.

“Everyone’s going to get their chance throughout the season. We’re going to have two good strikers on the bench week-in-week-out and it’s a very exciting prospect.”

By Chris Hudson