TNS move the perfect present for birthday boy Ashworth

Sam Ashworth says signing for Welsh Premier League champions The New Saints gave him a birthday to remember this week, but insists he is not getting carried away by his move to Park Hall.

Ashworth has joined the runaway league leaders from Huws Gray Alliance outfit Caernarfon Town, and was offered the first professional contract of his career on the day of his 17th birthday.

And he says the move to Owestry represented the ideal birthday present.

He told TNS TV: “I got the call saying that Craig [Harrison] was interested and I was obviously over the moon.

“I came in to train for a couple of weeks and Craig said he would be interested in signing me, so I signed on my 17th birthday, which is probably the best birthday I’ve ever had.

Congrats @samashwth – very proud of you, so is everyone at @CaernarfonTown – Keep working hard and embrace everything. See you soon. https://t.co/w83zGeDNVW

— Iwan Williams (@iwanwilliams9) January 27, 2017

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@tnsfc great young talent and top lad to go with it, all the best @samashwth

— Joe Williams (@JoeWillz46) January 27, 2017

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Getting Sam’s shirts printed right now.
Ashworth 25 on the back.
RUKGroup on the front. pic.twitter.com/mcZBAv0B4M

— The New Saints FC (@tnsfc) January 27, 2017

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“They’re the biggest team in the Welsh Premier League so I’m very happy to have signed.”

Despite only turning 17 on Wednesday, Ashworth arrives arrives with a strong reputation having recently earned a place in the Wales Academy Under 18 squad.

But the midfielder insists he is not taking anything for granted, adding that he does not expect to be a part of the Harrison’s immediate first team plans.

“I think I’ve made a big step forward by signing for TNS as a professional,” he added.

“I like to attack a lot but I do my job defensively as well. It’s a hard first team to break into so I’ll be playing with the under-19s so if I can prove myself there, I’m sure Craig can give me the chance.”