Worthing striker Brad Dolaghan has signed a professional deal with West Ham.

The 19-year-old played for the Hammers under-21s at the Hong Kong Football Club Soccer Sevens tournament.

His performances there earned him a further trial with the 21s in pre-season.

Dolaghan, who joined Worthing when he was 13, will initially be part of Mark Robson’s under-21 squad.

They start their Premier League 2 season with a game versus Albion at Lancing this evening.

Dolaghan started last season on loan at Littlehampton Town, then scored seven goals in 11 appearances when Worthing gave him a chance to shine in Vanarama National League south en route to the play-offs.

He said: “I think my experience (in non-league) will help me massively. I would strongly advise players my age or even younger players who aren’t at academies to go out there and play senior football.

"Playing for Littlehampton was the best experience I could’ve had, fighting for survival in a relegation battle, and then going back to Worthing where we almost got promoted.

“Without those experiences I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today."