AFC Sudbury youngster Tyler French has all the attributes required to become a success in the professional game, according to his team-mate, Marcus Garnham.

Seventeen-year-old defender French spent time on trial with Premier League side Crystal Palace during the week, but should be in contention for the west Suffolk side’s crucial Ryman Premier League clash at home to Merstham.

Sudbury are six points clear of tomorrow’s opponents, who occupy the final relegation spot, so being able to call on French will a major boost for manager, Jamie Godbold.

Asked about French, who also spent time training with Ipswich Town, goalkeeper Garnham said: “Tyler is a quiet, level-headed lad for his age, but he chips in with a bit of banter in the dressing room.

“He has good pace, two good feet and a good range of passing and has all the attributes to be a success.

“Give him an opportunity to have more coaching, then I think he could develop into a full-time professional.”

French will be forgiven if his head has been spinning this week, but all his focus now will be on today’s game at the Wardale Williams Stadium, against a side Garnham believes are in a false position.

“I am really surprised to see Merstham were they are as they absolutely annihilated us at their place,” recalls Garnham, whose side prevailed 1-0 back in August, with a smash-and-grab success.

“They had something like 28 shots on goal and we had one, in the 87th minute, and scored. I thought I heard the sirens at one point because we were committing daylight robbery!”

A win tomorrow would go some way to making up for last weekend’s abandoned game at Hendon.

Sudbury were leading the game 2-1 when the referee called a halt to proceedings in the 92nd minute, following a melee on the dugout side of the pitch.

“That is something for the league and FA to deal with but we could have done without it,” Garnham added.

“We are on a run of games against sides around us and we need to build a bit of momentum.”