A huge effort in 2005/06 saw Lewisham-based flanker Weston earn himself a one-year professional contract with the Addicks. With the third-year scholarship extension not an option, second years could only be taken on as professionals or released. And jet-propelled left-winger Weston ensured the former applied to him after some scintillating examples of wing play over the previous campaign's second half left the management team with no alternative than to sign the youngster on his first professional deal. Weston first delighted Sparrows Lane onlookers as a schoolboy in 2003/04 with some dazzling performances and five goals in 20 U17 starts. The following year, Weston's first as a full-time scholar, he notched five goals in 20 starts for the U17s. He also reached the final stages of the European Championships in Italy with England's U17 side. Overall, he made 16 appearances for the U18s and notched five goals in 2005/06, alongside 14 outings and another two goals for the reserves. Weston also received international acclaim, featuring in Martin Hunter's England U19 side in a friendly tournament in Poland in October 2005. Too old for U18 football this season except if used as an overage player, the England youth international's aim will be to establish himself in the reserves. |
