Nathan Rooney on AFC Telford radar

AFC Telford United could be set to steal a march on a host of professional clubs by offering a deal to former Wolves reserve team skipper Nathan Rooney.

The Telford-born 18-year-old is a free agent after being released by Wolves and featured for his hometown club in their 9-0 friendly victory at Rocester last night.

Former Birmingham City defender Dan Preston also appeared in that game and has agreed a one-year deal to join the Bucks – while there was also an outing for ex-Stafford Rangers keeper Lee Evans.

Assistant manager Darren Read said: "The gaffer (Andy Sinton) has sat down and had a little chat with Nathan to see where he is.

"We believe that Telford is the right club for him for the next stage of his career.

"He's just come out of the professional game but we are as professional a club as you are going to find with the part-time tag.

"We think he's an exciting prospect and he seems to be enjoying his football here."

Preston and Evans were among a number of trialists who appeared at Midland Alliance Rocester last night, along with Dwayne Samuels and Jordan Johnson.

There were also debuts for all five summer signings – Robbie Williams, Ryan Valentine, James Reid and Craig King and Craig Farrell.

On 19-year-old Preston, Read revealed: "He's still got to complete the paperwork but he's our player, he isn't going anywhere else. He did very well last night - he's a brick wall and as a one-on-one defender you won't find better in this league."