Richard Hurlin's move from Llanelli to Cwmbran Town could prove a double lift - for club and player, writes Ray Parker.

The 19-year-old (pictured) who celebrated his birthday ten days is still seeking the big breakthrough while the Crows look for a late revival to a flagging season.

Hurlin, a left winger, made his debut in the 4-0 win over Welshpool in the Welsh Premier League last Saturday, following his switch from struggling Llanelli.

The mid-Wales club are not the toughest of opposition and Afan Lido on their own ground will provide Cwmbran with a much sterner test.

Roger Gibbins, Cwmbran coach, said: "He did very well in his first game. He is an attacking force down the left-hand side, something we have not had since Nathan Cotterrall (he left for Barry Town last summer).

"When I saw him in training I was quite impressed and I thought he looked ever so good against Welshpool considering it was his first game for seven weeks. He came through better than I thought he would.

"If he can get a run of games under his belt and he settles in, as I am sure he will, we could see some good stuff from him.

"He gives us natural balance on the left which is attractive to any side and he swung in a number of fantastic crosses. I am sure he enjoyed his first game for us."

Hurlin said: "I am looking forward to playing week in, week out. I certainly enjoyed my first game because I haven't played for a while. It was just nice to get a full game under my belt."

Hurlin, a multi-talented sportsman has been capped by Wales at Under-19 level on a number of occasions - not bad for a youngster who was a late-comer to the sport.

He was introduced to football by Wyndham Evans, the former long-serving Swansea City defender, now at Llanelli with Leighton James. But at the time rugby was his first sport, although that quickly changed.

He has been to Nottingham Forest for trials - training with Jermaine Jenas before his £5m move to Newcastle United last February - Cardiff City and the Swans.

Hurlin, whose home is in Tumble is also a more than useful squash player, capped at under-14, u-15 and u-17 level and still plays at club level for Llanelli, playing his first game a few days since October and winning 3-0.