MIDFIELDER Harry McDonald has nailed his colours to the FC Clacton mast.

The 20-year-old has penned a year-long contract with the club, following in the footsteps of team-mate Zach Smith-Walter.

It is a major boost for the Seasiders, who have received a couple of enquiries from rival clubs since the end of last season.

There was interest from a higher-placed side but McDonald has shown his commitment by signing an FA contract at the Rush Green Bowl.

“It’s great news for our club,” said delighted manager Tom Austin.

“Harry’s such a talented player and there’s no reason why he can’t go on to play at a higher level.

“He’s definitely got the quality - he just needs to knuckle down and apply himself.

“It would be great if he could add a bit more end product to his game - more goals and assists - but that will come with time.

“Aside from that, he’s got so many attributes and you can see in our pre-season games so far that he’s a level above.

“He has so much energy and waltzes past people like they’re not there.

“He’s not afraid to track back and do the defensive side of the game, either, which you don’t always get from players in that number ten role.”

Austin admitted there has been interest in McDonald since the end of last season - a record-breaking campaign in which Clacton enjoyed their highest-ever finish in the Thurlow Nunn League.

“It’s a bit of security for us as there has been interest from elsewhere,” added the Seasiders boss.

“Harry made a brave decision when he decided to step down a level and join us from Brightlingsea.

“But there’s no substitute for playing matches and hopefully he feels he reaped the rewards last season.

“He can go on to be an unbelievable player and we’ll do everything in our power to help him get there.”

Clacton drew 2-2 against Wivenhoe Town in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

Jordan Lartey and Sam Thompson gave them a two-goal lead, before two late goals from the Dragons.

The match was played at Colchester’s Philip Morant School.

“We were coasting and, in addition to our goals, we also hit the post and bar,” said Austin, who takes his side to Heybridge Swifts on Saturday before a home friendly against Brightlingsea on Tuesday.

“It was another positive performance.

“We played some nice football and I only had 13 players available because we were without the likes of Jake Clowsley, Brad Westley, Jack Clampin, Zach Smith-Walter, Adam Daniels and Jordan Brazitis.”

Clacton gave a decent account of themselves but lost 2-0 at home to BetVictor Isthmian League division north side Coggeshall Town on Tuesday.