Wycombe Wanderers hand trial to Newmarket Town youngster Ryan Cole

Newmarket Town youngster Ryan Cole has gone on trial with Wycombe Wanderers.

The 19-year-old, who joined the Jockeys’ youth set-up more than a decade ago, will spend the next week training with the Sky Bet League One club.

Cole’s stock has been on the rise ever since he broke into Newmarket’s senior side at the age of 16.

He was a key figure in Town’s promotion via the play-offs from the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division last term, scoring 10 goals from his 42 appearances. And he has adapted well to life at a higher level in the Isthmian League North Division, with his return of five goals so far making him Newmarket’s second highest scorer.

A number of scouts are believed to have been to watch the left-footer, who can play at full-back or in midfield. However, it is the Chairboys – currently second in third tier of English football – that have decided to take a closer look.

For Newmarket boss Michael Shinn, the ‘only surprise is that it has taken so long’ for the bigger clubs to come calling.

He said: “To be totally honest the only surprise is that it has taken so long for him to get a trial like this one.

“Ryan has got all of the attributes to be whatever he wants to be. There were times last year when he carried us and he’s started this season really well, contributing goals whether he’s playing at left-back or in midfield.

“He deserves this sort of opportunity and if we’ve played a little part in that then that’s brilliant.

“It’s a weird thing to say but I hope we do lose him because that means he’s got an amazing move.

“Obviously it’s just a trial at the moment and he’s got to get his head down and work hard, but I’m sure he’ll do that. He’s got the ability to play at that level.”

Cole will be absent tonight as Newmarket travel to Hendon in the Velocity Trophy (7.45pm).