Boss Richie Barker hopes Crawley can turn another Premier League cast-off into a gem after completing the signing of James Hurst yesterday.

Reds beat off competition from a host of fellow League One clubs and abroad to secure the services of the 21-year-old right-back on a one-year deal following his release from West Brom.

Hurst made just one Premier League appearance for the Baggies two and a half years ago before being sent on loan spells to Blackpool, Shrewsbury, Chesterfield and Birmingham.

Barker believes the former England youth international can follow the example of Joe Walsh and Jamie Proctor – who joined Reds after struggling to make an impression at Swansea City last season – and get his career back on track at Broadfield Stadium.

Barker said: “James played against us for Shrewsbury last season and I did a bit of homework on him by speaking to a lot of his coaches and he ticks all the boxes for what we look for in a player.

“He is very athletic and is technically very good. He’s a terrific defender but he loves to get forward and fits the template of player I want in our squad – someone who is young, athletic with a willingness to learn and improve and a terrific attitude.

“He has a good pedigree but has just lost his way a little bit. He has been out on loan quite a bit in the last few years and he probably needs a home.

“Hopefully we can bring him on and get him back on track like we have with Joe and Jamie.”

Hurst came through the youth ranks at West Brom and represented England from under-16 to under-20 level.

He turned down moves to Arsenal and Manchester United to sign for Portsmouth for a significant fee in 2008 but failed to make a first team appearance.

Hurst returned to the Hawthorns on a free transfer in 2010 and made his Premier League debut against Fulham in January 2011 but spent the last two seasons out on loan.

The defender played for Valur in Iceland after being released by West Brom at the end of last season. He had the option to remain abroad but jumped at the chance to join Reds.

Hurst, who is in line to make his Crawley debut in their opening friendly at Oakwood on Friday, said: “I’m looking forward to a new chapter in my career.

“It was disappointing that I didn’t play more Premier League football but sometimes you have to take a step back to go forward again.”