DANNY Cowley says the loan signing of Arsenal goalkeeper Josh Vickers shows how far Concord Rangers have come.

The 18-year-old stopper joined the Beachboys yesterday and will make his bow for the club in the biggest game of their history, in the FA Cup at Mansfield Town tomorrow.

Basildon-born Vickers has signed an initial one month loan with the club, having signed professional terms with Arsenal earlier in the year, and is eligible to play for Arsenal in academy games.

 

The news will be particularly sweet as the 18-year-old stopper made a name for himself at island rivals Canvey last season.

And Cowley says he hopes he can make as big a contribution at the Aspects Arena.

"A lot of people around here know what a good goalkeeper Josh is," he said. "He is the one we have been trying to get since Jamie Butler got injured but he has been recovering from a broken finger.

"We saw him regularly last year and I have no doubt he will go on to make an impression at the very highest level of the game. And we want to ensure he furthers his career at Concord Rangers."

The goalkeeper made more than 36 appearances for the Gulls and Canvey Island manager Danny Heale had attempted to bring him back to the club earlier in the season.

On-loan Bishop's Stortford goalkeeper Joe Wright has been ruled out of tomorrow's game with a shoulder injury, opening the door for Vickers.

Concord manager Danny Cowley will hope the signing of Vickers will put an end to the club's goalkeeping woes - having lost Butler and Aaron Lennox to injury already this season.

"Josh isn't 19 until December but he is a man in all but age," added Cowley. "He knows how important tomorrow is and we look forward to his contribution."

Vickers played an important run in Arsenal's run to the FA Youth Cup last term, helping them reach the semi-finals.