NEWPORT County AFC have confirmed that 18-year-old Aaron Collins has joined Wolverhampton Wanderers for an 'undisclosed fee' - as revealed by the Argus yesterday.

The academy graduate made his first-team debut back in September 2014, in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Collins made his Football League debut for the Exiles in April 2015, featuring as a second half substitute against Dagenham and Redbridge.

The highly-rated youngster bagged his first goal for the Exiles at the start of the 2015/16 season, scoring a header in a 2-2 draw against Stevenage.

After scoring the only goal in the 1-0 victory at York City on Saturday, Collins has now agreed a deal to join Wolves after travelling for a medical with the Championship club.

 

Manager Warren Feeney told the club website: “I’m obviously disappointed that we have lost Aaron, but at the same time I am pleased for the lad.

"He is a fantastic person to have around the squad and I have been impressed with him since I have been at the club.

“Unfortunately in football any young kid that breaks onto the scene and scores goals will always attract interest.

“He is going to a great club in Wolverhampton Wanderers. A good manager like Kenny Jackett can help develop him further and hopefully Aaron can push on and try and win a place in the first team and progress to big things.”

 

County director Gavin Foxall said: “It’s great to see Aaron break through from our academy and attract interest from clubs such as Wolves.”

“The club wishes Aaron all the best for the future and I’m sure that his development will continue.”

Speaking after making his Molineux switch, Collins said: "It feels great. It's a great step for me, my family are so proud.

"I knew it was happening on Wednesday or Thursday this week. The medical's sorted, everything's signed and I'm just happy to be here.

"My parents were up here with my as I was doing the medical and, as soon as the papers were signed, it was all smiles.

"They're both so proud of me after everything they've done for me in the past and how they've kept me going.

"I'm very thankful of them and it's nice that they were able to be here with me this week."

The young forward has been on the scoresheet three times for the Exiles this season, and recently netted the only goal in a crucial League 2 clash against York City.

"I started the last two games for Newport which was a nice way to say goodbye to the fans and it was nice to get two 90 minutes under my belt as well," he explained.

"I've enjoyed my time at Newport County AFC and hopefully now I can push on and prove that I can play in the Championship."

When asked to describe himself as a player, Collins replied: "I'm a striker who loves to work hard. I like to run in behind defenders and that's where I feel I can hurt teams."