Burnley have signed striker Joe Bevan from Albion Rovers for an undisclosed fee.
The 19-year-old joined the Lowland League side in January of last year from East of Scotland club Camelon Juniors and leaves Coatbridge after scoring 15 times in over 40 appearances for the Wee Rovers.
Bevan arrived at the Cliftonhill club, then managed by Brian Reid while they were amidst a relegation battle in Scottish League Two and he converted nine goals during the second half of the campaign.
This season has seen the young prospect score for Sandy Clark’s men in their Scottish Cup tie against University of Stirling, which was live on BBC Scotland and more recently, in a 3-1 victory against league leaders East Kilbride.
After attracting interest from the Premier League club, Bevan spent a week’s trial with the Clarets in December and has agreed on a transfer to Vincent Kompany’s side.
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He is understood to be joining their under 21 squad, who are currently seventh in the English Professional Development League Group A table and have only lost one of their last five matches.
Albion Rovers interim chairman, Bobby Cameron, said: “Joe is a fantastic young man and everyone at Albion Rovers would like to wish him luck for his move to Burnley.
“Whilst we will be sad to see him go, other players will see how Albion Rovers is a club where the culture and environment support development, and that will help us to recruit others who have great potential in the future under the leadership of Sandy Clark and George Paterson.
“The deal we have agreed with Burnley is right for us as a football club. We also didn’t want to stand in Joe’s way as this move is a wonderful opportunity for him. We’ll be keeping a close eye on Joe and we’re sure we will see him shine.”
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