BRADFORD (Park Avenue) have announced the non-contract signing of academy player Myles La Bastide.

La Bastide, who has been training with the first team for the last two months, has signed on until the end of the season after impressing manager Mark Bower.

Academy technical director Thomas McStravick was delighted to see another one of his youngsters earn a first-team opportunity, with the news coming after the club’s young goalkeeper Liam Hall was handed an 18-month professional contract last month.

McStravick said: “I am delighted for Myles, who has developed a lot with us over the course of the last 16 months, and has become more physically robust and mature.

“He’s also been training with the first team for a while now and both Mark and (assistant manager) Danny (Boshell) have taken good care of him.

“He’s a grafter and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next from him. This is just another example of us, as a club, providing opportunities for young players.”

Club secretary Calum Cullen added: “It’s great for Myles and I’m really happy for him.

“He is under no illusion that the hard work really starts now and I am sure he will continue to work hard in the academy and with the first team.

“A huge well done is due to the academy staff too, who now have had two players in as many weeks make the step up.”

La Bastide was registered and eligible for Sunday’s derby at Farsley Celtic, but did not make the 16-man matchday squad.

Fellow youngster Hall was on the bench for Avenue’s 2-2 draw against the Celts.