Folkestone Invicta boss Jay Saunders tips 16-year-old forward Freddie Francis to join professional club | Youngster currently on trial with Premier League Ipswich Town

Folkestone manager Jay Saunders expects Freddie Francis to be signed by a professional club.

The 16-year-old forward joined the club’s academy at the start of the season but also featured through pre-season for the first team - and made his debut on the opening day against Walton & Hersham.

Saunders revealed he’s on trial at Ipswich Town and, given the volume of interest in the forward, he doesn’t expect to see him back in Folkestone colours.

“Young Freddie Francis has done really well,” said Saunders. “He’s been taken off us by Ipswich and he’s up there on trial.

“Honestly, I’ve had pretty much every club ring me wanting to take him in. So, I don’t think we'll see him again. I think someone will take him.

“We wish him all the best as he’s a good young lad. If he comes back, great. But if not, then we’re glad we’ve played a little part in whatever he goes on to do.”

Saunders isn’t surprised by the attention that Francis is already attracting.

“He’s a good player,” responded the Folkestone boss. “When you’re playing National South, not loads of minutes, but when you’re getting minutes in National South at 16, it flags it up.

“If it doesn’t quite work out then he’ll be back with us as he’s a local lad from Folkestone but we’ll see how he goes.”

The absence of Francis meant Folkestone were even lighter on numbers at Ebbsfleet on Tuesday.

“We couldn’t even put Freddie on the bench so that’s just the way it’s going,” said Saunders.

“But, look, I’m not making excuses. In the first month of the season, we were very good. That was when we had everyone fit and I was having to leave people out.

“At the moment, if you’re fit, you’re playing. I was tempted to get my boots on! That is how we’re looking.

“We need to get the other boys