Academy youngster Harris Rodgers has made a favourable impression on Maidstone United boss Jay Saunders
08:00, 18 July 2014
Sixteen-year-old Harris Rodgers is forcing his way into the first-team picture at Maidstone.
The academy youngster scored the final goal in a 4-0 friendly win at Faversham on Tuesday and could be the fourth striker United are looking for.
He averages a goal a game at Stones since his release by Millwall and looks capable of playing for the first team.
Boss Jay Saunders said: “I was impressed with Harris. He’s made 23 appearances for our various teams and scored 23 goals. He knows where the goal is and has good pace and movement.
“I always said I wasn’t going to rush out and bring someone in – it needed to be a different option to what we already have. That means someone who likes to run in behind defenders and that’s the sort of player Harris is."
Of Stones’ other trialists, winger Josh Stanford is attempting to earn a contract at League 1 Gillingham but right-back Aaron Simpson may be handed a deal at the Gallagher.
Saunders said: “Josh was going in for fitness sessions with Gills and they offered him some games. He wanted to look at that option first and he’d be silly not to when they’re a League 1 club. I’ve known him since he was a little kid and have asked him to keep us informed.
“Aaron did himself no harm against Faversham. He’s quick and I like the look of
him."
Maidstone host Conference South Concord on Saturday and welcome Conference Premier Welling to the Gallagher Stadium on Tuesday.
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