Bradford (Park Avenue) have completed the signing of versatile teenager Alex Hurst from Northern Premier League Premier Division side Matlock Town.

The talented 18-year-old, who can play left-midfield, left back or in a more forward role, could make his debut when Avenue visit Nuneaton tomorrow.

Hurst, who will turn 19 on Monday, joined The Gladiators at the beginning of the 2018/19 season after impressing as a trialist.

He ascended the ranks of Crewe Alexandra’s academy, representing the club’s under-18 and under-23 sides, before departing for Matlock.

Mark Bower’s squad has been plagued by injuries in recent weeks and Hurst’s versatility will be crucial as Bradford look to remain in the play-off picture.

He starred for Matlock in pre-season fixtures against Derby County, Gresley and Chesterfield and impressed manager Dave Hoole, who has since resigned. The former boss hailed Hurst as a ‘great asset’ to his squad who ‘trained really hard and applied himself’.