Wrexham sign up teen striker Reed

Wrexham have given teenage striker Jamie Reed his first professional deal.

The 18-year-old signed a 12-month contract this week, having impressed during a loan spell with Northern Ireland side Glentoran last season.

Wrexham boss Denis Smith told the club website: "We sent him over to Ireland to see how he would cope at the next level up.

"While it was not easy for him with a change of manager so early in his spell at Glentoran, he knuckled down."

Reed only figured three times last season during the Dragons' League Two campaign, each time as a substitute against Wycombe, Boston and Lincoln.

The league in Ireland was certainly more physical than I had been used to Wrexham striker Jamie Reed

But he still finished as Wrexham's top scorer in the Pontin's League and figured regularly in the FAW Premier Cup campaign.

Reed was taken to Glentoran in January by then manager Roy Coyle, but had to prove himself to new boss Paul Millar when Coyle resigned soon after.

"Since coming back from Glentoran I have been working hard at keeping fit and I hope I'm in a decent shape to start pre-season training," Reed said.

"The league in Ireland was certainly more physical than I had been used to and I hope it has also strengthened me mentally, but it was first-team football and that can only have helped me.

"I was still working with Wrexham in midweeks, while playing over there, so the boss could see how I was getting on and I'm delighted that he has given me another season.

"It has taken me several years to get to this point and now I want to make the most of the opportunity."