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SOUGHT AFTER CENTRE BACK TESTAMENT TO YOUTH SYSTEM Be the first reader to comment on this story CHRIS BARNEY 10:00 - 07 August 2008 Llanelli academy director Bob Jeffrey has hailed young defender Kieran Hayes as proof that the club's production line is in full working order.The Reds academy chief welcomes Hayes back from a week-long trial at Championship club Barnsley today, with Jeffrey awaiting a call from Oakwell to clarify their stance on the youngster. Hayes, who helped the Reds to the West Wales Senior Cup final last season, was a prominent figure of the academy side which won the league and went unbeaten in the process. A solid defender who is comfortable on the ball, Hayes has attracted interest from Football League clubs in the past. Last season, Millwall offered the tall centre-back a trial but Hayes picked up an injury beforehand which ruled out a switch to London, but new interest from Barnsley could see him heading to Yorkshire. Recommended to Barnsley by Glan Letheren - whose son Kyle is understudy keeper at the club - Hayes has already played twice for the Barnsley youth team and is due to complete his trial with a match against Sheffield Wednesday tonight. And Jeffrey is hopeful of a positive conclusion for his hot property. "Kieran has done really well with us and it's no surprise that he is attracting interest in the Football League," said Jeffrey. "When he was called upon by the first team last season he showed just what he is capable of. "He is in the Alan Hansen mould. He is a footballing centre-back who will fight tooth and nail when he needs to. "I've had promising conversations with Barnsley and now we will just have to wait and see what happens. "As with any player who has the chance to move on, we won't stand in his way. "The academy is not only just about producing players for the first team, it is about developing players from this area and giving them a platform to progress to a higher level. "I think Kieran is good enough to play at a higher level." Jeffrey has a busy season ahead, with eight teams now under the academy umbrella. Having just started teams from under-8s to under-11s - who will play friendly matches this season - Jeffrey has his hands full. Not that he is complaining though. "This is where we want to be and it's great news for the area that we can cater for all these ages," he said. "It's important that we identify talent at a young age and help nurture it correctly. "That is a big priority this year, as will be maintaining the success of the under-19s, who went unbeaten last year. "It would be a tall order to do that again this season, because all the other teams will be determined to be the first to beat us. "But we have the majority of the squad from last season and that stands us in good stead. "We are targeting the Welsh Youth Cup as we lost out to Bryntirion last season in the second round and that was a major disappointment. "So it's going to be a busy season for all the teams. What's important is that we continue to improve as coaches and players - I'm sure we will do that." Any coaches who would like to assist in any of the academy teams should contact Bob Jeffrey on 07809 524502.
