HARTLEY Wintney have signed highly promising Reading under-23 and England Youth goalkeeper, Adam Desbois.

The young shot stopper joins the Row on a season-long work experience placement.

Desbois is fifth choice at Reading.

He is also a member of the England under-19 squad, despite entitled to be in the under-17 squad, testament to his progress and maturity already.

Hartley Wintney co-manager, Dan Turkington, was delighted to have the opportunity to bring in a goalie who, despite his tender age, is already known to the coaching staff at the Row as having both the ability and self-assurance needed in the adult levels of the game.

Turkington said: "I watched him last season on several occasions and our head coach, Luke Tuffs, made the enquiries to Reading. Luke has been instrumental in bringing Adam in,"

The youngster made his first appearance for the Row in the friendly against Slough Town last weekend and really impressed.

Desbois has been brought into the squad in place of goalkeeper Paul Strudley, who is taking time out from playing to put his young family first.

Co-manager Anthony Millerick said: "It was a difficult decision for Struds, because he wanted to keep playing, but the additional travelling time would have been an issue for him at this stage. He has been superb for us."

Hartley complete their pre-season on Saturday (3pm) when Kingstonian are the visitors.

The Row's first ever game in the Southern League Premier South on August 11 away at Poole Town.