Stones defender on trial with Premier League Middlesbrough - EXCLUSIVE

MAIDSTONE UNITED defender Chris Smalling, 18, could be on the verge of signing for a professional club, having impressed whilst playing for England Schoolboys, writes Stephen McCartney.

The six foot four central defender has caught the eye, with Premier League clubs Middlesbrough, Fulham and Reading all interested, as well as local sides Charlton Athletic and Gillingham.

Smalling, who attends Chatham Grammar School, has been invited to play for Middlesbrough’s academy side against their local rivals Sunderland.

“He’s been on trial at Middlesbrough, he’s going back next week to play a game,” revealed proud Stones joint-manager Alan Walker, speaking EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight.

“He’s going back next week to play a game. The weather’s been very bad up there so his game was cancelled, he’s going to play there midweek.”

With the player NOT on contract with the Ryman Premier League club, Walker hopes whoever captures the “talented” player will compensate the Kent club.

“He’s not on contract but Middlesbrough have been very honourable, as have every other club,” said Walker.

“Every club that have been in touch have done it the right way. They’ve contacted me or the club direct. Everyone’s been very good with the way they’ve done it.

“If the kid gets a chance I expect them to give us a friendly or something along the lines. I’m not saying the kids going to go but he’s a very good player.

“As a club we’ll be sorry to see him go but very delighted if he got an opportunity to progress.”

Walker, a former professional himself defending for the likes of Millwall and Gillingham, offers some advice for Smalling when deciding to choose which club to sign for.

“When I’ve spoken to the boy I’ve told him his got loads of talent and let them court him,” he said.

“Look at all the facilities at all the clubs and if and when someone makes an offer take his choice.”

But Smalling has been given the five-star treatment by Middlesbrough.

“They’ve flown him there and back and looking after him there. I’ve spoken to them today and they’re impressed and they want to see him play.

“They’ve seen him play for England Schoolboys, he’ll be playing for Middlesbrough against Sunderland next week.”

Quite an intense game to impress on his debut and Walker agrees.

He said: “If he can come through that, that will show a lot about his character. The boys on trial and I’ve known a lot that come on trial and nothing comes of that but he’s a smashing lad.

“He’s a very gifted player, his six foot six, quick. I would say his weakness is his ability in the air. He’s not as strong in the air as I would expect him to be but he’s getting better to be fair.”

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