Express & Star

New boy Jordan Allan happy to be at Wolves

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Wolves 'discovery' Jordan Allan knew he had made the right decision to sign for them – after a fan directed him to Nando's.

The highly-rated 15-year-old surprised the football world when he signed for Wolves last week despite undergoing successful trials with Liverpool, Tottenham and Fulham.

Allan was inundated with good luck messages from Wolves fans on Twitter following confirmation of his move south.

And he was grateful to one supporter for directing him to the speciality chicken restaurant in Wolverhampton city centre.

"I like Nando's and I'm pleased it's not far from me," said Allan.

"It shows how big a club Wolves are and how much of a family club it is when the fans know I've signed.

"They were tweeting me and saying they hoped to see me play.

"This will give me determination to try to get to the first team."

Wolves officials are quietly surprised by the stir generated by the signing of the youngster, who has been earmarked to play in their academy Under-16s team.

Allan will spend his first year at Wolves as a pre-scholar schoolboy before starting a 12-month scholarship.

His two-year professional contract starts in 2016 and he will lodge with a couple who have been looking after some of Wolves' young players for more than a decade.

Proud parents Scott and Yvonne help keep his feet on the ground and Allan knows he has a long way to go if he is to make it in England.

But he is already looking forward to impressing head coach Kenny Jackett and the other coaches as the first team train on nearby pitches at Compton.

"I'll be training with the Under-18s but playing games for the Under-16s," he said.

"Everybody trains in the same area so seeing the first team will give me the determination to be where they are. They'll be an inspiration.

"I've always wanted to be a footballer and I've just kept working.

"But the hard work starts now and I'll be getting the head down.

"It will be sad to leave my home town and my family and friends but this is what I want to do and I look forward to getting into it."

The striker became the youngest player to feature in a British first-team match at the tender age of 14 years 189 days.

But the 15-year-old from Hamilton is set for an exciting future after signing for Wolves in a full-time four-year deal.

Allan's fast-track journey to English football hasn't been without setbacks as potential moves to Liverpool and Fulham, following successful trials, fell through.

A switch to Craven Cottage last summer broke down after a takeover by American billionaire Shahid Khan, while a proposed transfer to the Merseyside giants was shelved when the Reds axed academy director Frank McParland.

But missed opportunities for those clubs are another's potential gain with Allan preparing for his dream move to Molineux after shining on trial in February – and he couldn't be happier.

Allan, who made his debut for Airdrie as a late sub in a 2-0 First Division defeat to Livingston, said: "Wolves is a good club and I enjoyed it when I went down there.

"Once I signed my contract I just wanted to get down there straight away.

"Things will be different and it's going to be a new experience but I'm looking forward to it.

"What happened with Fulham and Liverpool hit me hard at the time but I got over it.

"Some things in football are up, some are down. You just need to take things in your stride.

"I just concentrated on playing football and trying to become a professional."

Allan, who joined Airdrie seven years ago from Hamilton's Mill United Boys Club, also had a trial with Tottenham.

But the youngster's heart already lay at Wolves and his mind was made up when he scored in an Under-16 match against Stoke City at Molineux last week.

He said: "It was great down at Tottenham and I enjoyed my week there but I feel Wolves is the club for me.

"I felt wanted. It feels right there. I got a buzz when I went to Molineux.

"The facilities are really good. It's a family club and I feel at home there.

"The coaches were good with me and the staff in and around the club take the time to speak to you.

"You felt part of their family. I was made to feel really welcome.

"It was an unbelievable experience walking out on to their park with people watching and it felt amazing to score in a stadium like that."