McCann’s Peterborough land non-league star Morias

(Picture: Actions Images via Reuters)

Peterborough United have made their first signing of the January transfer window with St Albans striker Junior Morais joining the club.

The highly-rated 21-year-old has joined for an undisclosed fee, with the deal officially going through on Sunday 1st January when the transfer window opens.

Posh have a brilliant track record of plucking players from non-league and providing them with a place to kick on and further their careers, with players such as George Boyd and Dwight Gayle shining examples.

After seeing Morais put pen to paper on a two year deal, with the option for a further year, Peterborough boss Grant McCann told the club website: “He is someone that we have been looking at for quite some time.

“He has scored some great goals already this season for St. Albans and we are pleased to have secured his signature.

“When I told Junior that we were offering him a contract, he was thrilled. He is a lovely lad and he is desperate to succeed.

“He has been in the building with us for a few weeks and has been getting up to speed with our sessions and working closely with the Fitness Coach. He has settled in very quickly.”

Morias has previously played in the football league for Wycombe, but failed to score in 27 appearances for the Chairboys and dropped into non-league with Boreham Wood.

Since joining St Albans in July, the young forward has produced some eye-catching form, including a brilliant brace against Carlisle in the FA Cup first round.

“I am absolutely delighted for Junior as he has worked extremely hard to achieve his target of returning to the football league. ” said St Albans co-owner Lawrence Levy.

“I am very pleased that this club [Peterborough] has given a talented player the platform to progress to the football league – I’m sure he will go on to have a fantastic career.”