HEREFORD FC have signed former West Bromwich Albion youngster Aurio Teixeira on a two-year contract.

The 20-year-old midfielder played as an under-18 for West Brom before more recently playing his football for Alvechurch.

Hereford manager Paul Caddis told the club’s website that he had ‘beaten off’ full-time teams to sign the youngster.

“I am delighted to have someone of Aurio’s quality as part of our club moving forward,” Caddis said.

“We have beaten off a lot of full-time clubs to capture Aurio’s signature. He is a player that epitomises what I see this football club as, hard working with an abundance of character and a desire to get better.

“We are by no means a football club that acts as a ‘retirement fund’ for players and under my watch that will not happen, hence the hard work that has gone into getting someone of Aurio’s ability and characteristics.

“He is a ball winning midfielder who will possess a calmness in possession and a maturity beyond his years in understanding the game. A particular quality of Aurio’s which attracted me is his commitment to putting the team before himself at all times.”

Teixeira played for Alvechurch during their impressive FA Cup run last season and thanked his former side.

He added: “I would like to thank Paul and the club for offering me a chance to play at the next level and I am hoping to build within the club and achieve great things.

“I’d also like to thank Alvechurch FC for the platform they gave me and I wish them nothing but the best in the future.”