MARK Hughes' Premier League side Stoke City are keen to take a closer look at one of Petersfield Town’s talented, young players.

Ed Dryden, who has been an instant success since bursting into the first team at the Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division club this season, is heading to the Potteries for a week’s trial.

Stoke scouts have been watching the 18-year-old for the last two months and they were among the 200-strong crowd last Saturday watching Dryden play - and score - for the Rams in the 2-2 draw against Winchester City.

Championship outfit Reading and two other unnamed clubs are also keeping tabs on the midfielder, who started the season in defence for the Rams.

Dryden will be heading to Stoke City for his trial next week (starting February 2).

Petersfield Town manager Ian Saunders said: “Ed fully deserves his chance to earn himself a permanent place at a Premier League club. He is extremely talented and, for someone so young, he is a very sensible and thoughtful young lad.

“It shows that we must be doing something right at Petersfield for a club at our level to attract the attentions of a Premier League club.

“Obviously, we’d like him to stay but you can’t stand in the way of this kind of opportunity for a player.”

Dryden is just one of a number of young players being given the chance to play regular first-team football for Petersfield.

Luke Eaton and Max Whittingham from Havant & Waterlooville’s academy, Benny Read from Eastleigh’s academy and Matt Benham from Gosport Borough’s academy are all regulars in the Rams’ first team squad.

Saunders added: “Our club is always prepared to give young players further opportunities to enhance their careers and we are delighted to have some of the area’s best young talent at Petersfield.

“What has happened to Ed Dryden shows what players can achieve by coming to our club and working their way up through the ranks from the youth and reserve teams into the first team.

“Any young player who would like to be given the chance to advance their playing career is welcome to get in contact with the club to discuss their future.”