Chester FC have secured defender Ryan Astles on a contract until the end of the season.
Astles signed from Northwich Victoria earlier this month on non-contract forms and has been rewarded with a longer-term deal after making a positive impression at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium.
The 22-year-old made his first appearance in the 3-0 Cheshire Senior Cup win over Hyde United before being given his full debut in the weekend's goalless draw with Southport .
Birkenhead-born Astles, who moved to Northwich in the summer from Welsh Premier League club Rhyl, made a tense start but soon settled and looked at home alongside Ben Heneghan in central defence.
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That performance coupled with what he has shown in training has convinced manager Steve Burr that Astles has a future at this level.
"Ryan's come in from lower down and he's made that step up and you never know with players but I've had a reasonable record over the years of bringing in lads from lower down and them stepping up," said Burr.
"He's come in and he's a very quiet lad but he made his debut against Hyde and he's been champing at the bit to play.
"I thought after a nervy start, and he was very nervous before the game which is understandable for a young lad making your first start in a local derby against Southport, he grew as the game went on and I'm sure that he's got a really bright future.
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"We've managed to tie him down to a contract now until the end of the season which is pleasing and then we'll evaluate that at the end of the season.
"He's a smashing lad and he's so hungry to do well."
Astles was with Chester City and Tranmere Rovers as a schoolboy before moving to Wigan Athletic.
He left Wigan in 2013 and signed for Buckley Town, spending a season at Globe Way before switching to Rhyl.
During his time at Belle Vue, the Birkenhead-born defender scored six times in 60 appearances and was nominated for Welsh Premier League Young Player of the Season in 2014-15.
