Walsall sign Stourbridge's Jordan Murphy

Walsall today announced the signing of Stourbridge youngster Jordan Murphy on a one-year-deal.

The 18-year-old has been training with the club for the past month and has impressed enough to secure his first professional contract.

The Birmingham-born striker has scored goals at all levels for Stourbridge and was invited for trials at Championship clubs, AFC Bournemouth and Birmingham City during the summer.

Having been recommended to manager Dean Smith, Murphy has continued his form by netting goals in behind-closed-doors friendlies in recent weeks.

"I'm really excited," said Murphy. "It's a great environment to be in and the lads have made me feel really welcome since I came in.

"I'm looking forward to getting my head down, working hard, performing for the reserves and hopefully getting some first-team appearances."

Murphy has been training with the first-team for the past four weeks and has settled in well.

"It's clear they're all closely knit," he said. "I can see just from the short time I've been here that the players really work hard for each other.

"I'm just going to try to do what I've always done - get on the ball, show inventiveness, try to get other players in and score goals."

Walsall's reputation for producing their own players appealed to Murphy.

"It had a strong influence," he added. "When I was coming in and saw the likes of Kins, (Liam Kisella) Reece (Flanagan) and Amadou (Bakayoko) playing, with Rico (Henry) on the bench having just signed as a youngster, it was very reassuring.

"I know I'm not just going to be a number here pushed to the reserves but a face at the club and I can't wait to get started."

Murphy has been handed the number 29 shirt.