Shropshire Star

AFC Telford swoop for keeper Corey Addai and youngsters

AFC Telford United have agreed to sign Coventry City goalkeeper Corey Addai on loan while two youngsters have penned first-team deals.

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Corey Addai between the sticks for the Bucks

Addai will officially join the Bucks next week on a one-month loan – running from August 2 until September 2.

And Jack Downing and Harry Walker – who both starred for the under-18s last season – have each signed one-year contracts.

Twenty-one-year-old shot-stopper Addai has started a number of friendlies over the summer for the Bucks, who complete their pre-season schedule at Concord Rangers today.

He stands at 6ft 4in, was signed by Coventry from Arsenal in 2014, and has also had loan spells at Hendon, Dulwich Hamlet and Mickleover Sports.

Andy Wycherley is seen as his main competition for the No.1 shirt, but Cowan has urged fans not to forget about Sheridan Martinez, who is still part of the fold.

Martinez had some minutes in the league last season before departing the club last October. However, he quietly returned towards the end of the term, and Cowan said: "Shez remains really integral to us.

"He's a phenomenal human being, although he's a quiet lad, and he's here to be pushing for a place in the team as well. Ability-wise, there's an argument for him being our best keeper.

"It's more of a mental thing with Shez. But I'd love him to stake a claim as he's got all the ability."

Centre forward Downing and centre-half Walker played an integral role in getting Telford to the first round proper of the FA Youth Cup last season, where they were knocked out by Scunthorpe at Glanford Park.

Downing had two loan spells last campaign.

He was in fine form for Midland Premier League outfit Stourport Swifts, netting 11 goals in 25 games.

He was then recalled by the Bucks and sent out to Redditch United, where he also managed to get amongst the goals.

Walker has played in friendlies under Cowan, most notably against Aston Villa last summer.

He had a loan spell at Gresley in the second half of last season.