SWINDON Town Centre of Excellence director Jeremy Newton has high hopes for starlet Sebastian Martinez after the Cayman Islands youngster signed an 18-month development contract earlier this week.

Martinez, 13, is highly rated back in his homeland and was named the Most Valuable Player in the under-13 league before he was introduced to former Town player and talent scout Fitzroy Simpson, who then recommended him to Swindon.

The attacking midfielder, recognised for his impressive technique, speed and remarkable feel for the game, was invited for a trial with the County Ground side in the summer and impressed in games against the likes of Liverpool, Birmingham and Aston Villa.

And while Newton admitted there is still a long road of learning and development ahead, he believes he has the raw potential to become a very talented footballer.

“Sebastian Martinez came over on a holiday initially and he showed some good stuff in pre-season.

“He played against Aston Villa, Liverpool, Birmingham and Nottingham Forest and he is the best kid on the island at that age,” said Newton.

“He found it a little difficult in terms of the tactical and technical side over here but he showed some good signs that we decided to invite him back over here again.

“We have offered him a development contract and he will work with us at the Centre of Excellence.

“It doesn’t cost us anything and it is building links with the Cayman Islands FA as well.

“We are looking to take our under-13s out there in February as part of the deal.

“He is very highly rated over there, although the gulf in football is so big now in terms of what we are trying to do in England and what they are doing in the Cayman Islands.

“We will work with him because he has got something and we just need to smooth off a lot of rough edges, and if we make him better and continues to develop then who knows?”

TOWN’S youth team’s second round FA Youth Cup clash at AFC Bournemouth will now be played on Tuesday November 15 (kick-off 7pm).

The game at Dean Court had originally been pencilled in for November 19.

Ticket cost £5 for adult and £3 for seniors and under 16s, and are available on the gate.