The New Saints youngster Ryan Pryce lands Middlesbrough trial

The 19-year-old travelled up to the North East on Sunday and will be on trial until the end of the week.

Pryce, from Shawbirch in Telford, is highly rated at the Welsh champions who believe he has a promising future.

The New Saints manager Craig Harrison, who played for Middlesbrough as a defender for four seasons, helped set up the trial through his contacts with his former club.

Pryce's father Gary, and grandfather Terry Kiernan, said they were immensely proud that he has landed the opportunity.

Middlesbrough are among several clubs who have been scouting the full-back this season.

Harrison said: "I think Pryce deserves it. Middlesbrough decided he was more than good enough to go on trial for a week. After the trial then they will take it from there.

"It will be a positive experience for Pryce. Either he will get a contract and everybody will wish him well, or he will get a marker and will know where he needs to be."

Pryce joined TNS on a two-year scholarship after he was released by Shrewsbury aged 15.

He impressed club bosses during his first year and after 12 months signed up to the first team and broke into the side in the 2014/15 season.

"It was clear in his first year that he was ahead of most of his peers," said Harrison. "He came on trial with the first team and then signed for them."

Pryce has won the Welsh Premier League twice and the Welsh Cup twice while at TNS.

His father Gary, aged 51 and from Shawbirch, said: "It absolutely fantastic news that a Premier League side has come in for Ryan.

"I always felt he was good enough, but I never expected a Premiership club to show interest. It is up to him now. He has to keep level-headed and keep his feet on the ground."

Terry, who is a Telford and Wrekin councillor, said: "I am absolutely ecstatic. I have spoken to the chairman of TNS and he said Ryan is such a natural footballer, he is good with both feet. Nothing worries him."

He added Pryce captained his school football team growing up.

TNS are this season's Welsh Premier champions and clinched the trophy for the sixth year in a row in March.

Their next game sees them travel to play Gap Connah's Quay in the JD Welsh Cup semi-final on Saturday.

TNS are offering fans free transport to travel to the game.

Kick-off takes place at 2pm at Bangor University Stadium in Bangor.