Crawley Town boss Mark Yates believes he has pulled off a coup by signing England under-19 goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.

The 18-year-old has joined on loan from Newcastle United until January 2.

Woodman has just returned from Newcastle’s pre-season tour to the United States, where he played in their games against Portland Timbers and Sacremento Republic.

Last year he was part of the England under-17s squad which won the European Championships and was on the bench for Newcastle’s first team last season.

His capture follows that of Wales under-19 international Callum Preston on a one-year deal.

Yates said: “We are delighted to have been able to bring one of the best young goalkeepers in the country to the club.

“The only thing Freddie lacks at the moment is experience in league football and that is what this loan spell with give him.

“He has all the attributes to become a top-class keeper and I have to thank Steve McClaren, Andy Woodman and everyone at Newcastle for letting us have Freddie for the first half of the season.”

Wales under-19 international Preston was released by Birmingham at the end of last season and has signed a contract after impressing in pre-season.

Woodman is the son of former Crystal Palace goalkeeper Andy. He made his debut in last night’s 3-0 friendly win at Nuneaton.

Reds won 3-0 with goals from Simon Walton penalty, Joe McNerney and Matt Harrold.

Izale McLeod, who has been linked with a move away from the club, was missing through illness.

Walton made the breakthrough right on half-time after Jon Ashton was fouled in the box.

McNerney was on target in the second half from close range.

Harrold netted with a overfull header from Conor Henderson’s free-kick.

Former Premier League striker Marlon Harewood played for Nuneaton.