Wolves today celebrated the signing of hot prospect Jake Cassidy after beating off competition from three fellow Premier League clubs.

Neighbours Albion, Everton and Spurs were all on the trail of the 17-year-old Welsh striker, but Wolves completed a deal for an undisclosed fee after the player’s eye-catching trial and reserves appearance last week.

Cassidy joins from Airbus UK Broughton on a two-year-contract with a further year’s option in Wolves’ favour after featuring in the academy’s friendly against Coventry before scoring a goal in the development squad’s 4-2 win at Telford on Tuesday.

He will go into the development squad set-up to work under coach Steve Weaver and chief executive Jez Moxey said: “We are always interested in signing good young players and Jake certainly fits into that category.

“There were plenty of other Premier League clubs interested and when he scored at Telford the interest cranked up even further. But Jake immediately felt comfortable here at Wolves and we are delighted he has agreed to join us.”

Cassidy today admitted it had been a whirlwind 10 days. He said: “I had a good pre-season and then the interest started. I came here for a week’s trial and now here I am!”

Meanwhile Mick McCarthy today challenged his three strikers to establish their own pecking order in the battle for places at Everton on Saturday.

Kevin Doyle, unavailable because of injury for the opening game, will be fit for the trip to Goodison while Steven Fletcher is also expected to recover from a foot injury.

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake has impressed McCarthy so far this season.