AFC Telford United have pulled off one of the transfer coups of the summer – signing Northern Ireland international James Lawrie.

The 19-year-old has two senior caps for his country and has penned a one-year deal with the Bucks after his release by Port Vale in May. He goes straight into the squad for tonight’s friendly at home to Wolves (7pm).

Forward Lawrie was regarded as one of the hottest prospects at Vale Park and even went on trial at Premier League giants Everton last pre-season. He made 27 appearances for the Valiants and also had 10 games on loan at Kidderminster last season.

But he lost his way under current Vale boss Micky Adams and joins Telford after trials at Exeter, Stevenage and Morecambe.

“He’s someone I knew about and I asked about him before I even got the job,” said delighted Telford boss Andy Sinton.

“I didn’t really think I could get him and I knew he’d be going on trial with League clubs first — and rightly so.

“But he’s not got himself fixed up and he just wants to come and play some football.

Setbacks

“He’s a full international and Northern Ireland are no pushovers,” added Sinton. “I hope he will be a signing that excites people, it’s a little bit of a coup for the club.

“He sent me a text yesterday saying he can’t wait to work with me, and he clearly wants to be here.

“He’s had a setback in the last few months and he needs to be working with people who believe in him.”

Wolves are sending a development squad for tonight’s clash, with both clubs approaching the start of their league seasons on Saturday.

Telford are likely to involve right-backs Martyn Naylor and Ashley Woolliscroft, who are both back in training after spells out through injury.

• Winger Matt Blair, who finished last season with Telford, has signed for Kidderminster Harriers after spending the summer on trial at Aggborough.

By CHRIS HUDSON