CRAY Wanderers have confirmed 17-year-old striker George Porter has joined League One side Leyton Orient on a two-year contract.

Porter started the season playing for Cray’s academy side and then went on to score 11 goals for the first team after manager Ian Jenkins spotted his outstanding ability and put him into Ryman Premier League action.

The striker spent the last few weeks of the season on trial at Brisbane Road and scored in the reserves’ 1-1 draw at Millwall.

Wands chairman Gary Hillman said: “I am pleased to say that, although many clubs were looking at George, Leyton Orient suited both the player and Cray Wanderers.

“It was obvious from the beginning George has an exceptional talent, even when he started playing for the academy team.

“Bursting into the Wands’ first team was a natural progression and I can see him being a regular next season for Leyton Orient.”

Cray Wanderers’ academy is in its first year at Coopers School in Chislehurst and the team completed its debut season as runners-up in the Ryman Youth League.

Hillman said: “I see the youth section and the academy being a major part of the future of Cray Wanderers.

“I thought we may have had a player come through to be on the bench this year but to have four young players graduate to play for the first team by the end of the season is great.

“It also shows youngsters now have a natural route to becoming professional footballers if they make the grade with Cray.

“For one to go professional with a Football League club is tremendous and I would like to thank everyone involved.”

Leyton Orient will play a pre-season friendly at Hayes Lane as part of the deal which has brought Porter to Brisbane Road.

Mr Hillman said: “The Os have acted in a very professional manner and will be bringing their first team squad over for a high profile pre-season friendly on July 14 as part of our 150th year anniversary celebrations.

“We hope to have a large turnout to watch the game.”

Porter has already impressed Leyton Orient’s manager Russell Slade.

The Brisbane Road chief said: “George has huge potential. He’s only had a year in football, but he has tons and tons of natural ability.

“He has had a few training sessions with the first team and not looked out of place.

“We’re going to have to wait with him to develop but who knows?

“He has got an opportunity now and hopefully the boy will take it.”