AARON Collins is celebrating after completing a remarkable journey from McDonald’s to Molineux in less than 18 months.

The 18-year-old has left Newport County AFC to sign for Championship club Wolverhampton Wanderers for an undisclosed fee.

County turned down bids of up to £65,000 for Collins from Burnley in September and the fee agreed with Wolves is understood to be higher, with a sell-on clause also included.

Speaking after making his Molineux switch, the Newport-born striker 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.

"My parents were up here with me 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 to them and it's nice that they were able to be here with me this week."

The young forward played 25 appearances for his home town club and scored the last of his three goals in last week’s crucial 1-0 win at York City.

"I started the last two games for Newport, which was a nice way to say goodbye to the fans," he added.

"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."

Exiles boss 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 going to a great club and a good manager like Kenny Jackett can help develop him further.”

Collins has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal and is expected to join the under-21 squad at Molineux initially.

But he has travelled with the Wolves first team today ahead of their live TV clash with Queens Park Rangers tomorrow – a match that could see former County striker Conor Washington make his debut for the hosts.

While Washington was a postman before signing for the Exiles in 2012, Collins was forced to take a job at fast food outlet McDonald’s in 2014.

The youngster joined the County academy after being released by Bristol City but he nearly didn’t make it at Rodney Parade.

“He wasn’t offered a scholarship by the previous academy manager and when he was in our college programme he got himself a job at McDonald’s to pay his petrol money to get to training,” said Mike Flynn, the man who spotted Collins’ potential.

“I said to [then manager] Justin Edinburgh that we needed to get him on a pro contract and he agreed straight away.

“He made great progress thanks to the likes of Danny Elliott in the academy and I’m buzzing for him.

“Aaron deserves everything he gets. He’s got a great attitude and if he trains hard and listens to the coaches at Wolves he can go all the way.”