Albion sign New Zealand striker

Albion have received clearance from the New Zealand FA to complete the signing of teenage Kiwi striker Chris Woods to their Academy.

The 16-year-old from Waikato has been training at the club since the start of the month while the formalities went through.

He has now been given the all-clear to continue as a member of a 12-player intake, which has boosted the club’s under-18 group to 20 hopefuls for the coming season.

Woods is a highly-coveted young forward in New Zealand and has agreed a two-year deal with Albion, which has already seen him working with fellow Academy recruits and the wider first-team squad.

His progress will be eagerly followed in his homeland where his father, Grant, revealed today his son had been adjusting well to his new life.

He said: “He’s a laid-back character but he loves team training and he’s settling in well.”

Woods, who played five senior games for Waikato FC in last season’s NZ Football Championship, has been joined by his English-born mother Julie, who recently returned to Britain to work.

National under-17 coach Colin Tuaa believes Woods has the ability to succeed and provide a significant role model for future New Zealand footballers.

He said: “He’s a big lad but he’s got great feet, a natural nose for goal and a good temperament. I’m confident he’ll do well.”