THE RISE of James Brophy, Swindon Town’s speedy redheaded trialist, has come as no surprise to his former non-league boss at Edgware Town.

Michael Roche, the manager who took Brophy to Silver Jubilee Park, has described him as one of the best players he has seen at that level.

Town are set to make a decision on the future of their contingent of trialists, including Brophy, imminently.

There are strong suggestions the man who last season was playing at the equivalent of Hellenic League level will be offered a deal at the County Ground.

Though Roche is a touch surprised by the pace of his former charge’s rise, thinking he may have taken a step further up the semi-pro ladder first, he is firm in his belief Brophy would eventually make it as a professional.

“As soon as I saw him I knew he could play a higher level of football straight away,” Roche told the Advertiser. “He’s got pace and a good attitude in training. He's always stood out, he’s one of those players who you would never forget.

“A lot of players can run, but can’t run with the football. He caused havoc in every game. He played against us in a friendly and I thought I had to go and get him.

“I didn’t think he would go straight away. I thought he might go to the Ryman or something like that, but I wasn’t surprised when he went to Swindon on trial.

“He’s definitely got everything to be a professional footballer.”

Brophy has started one of Town’s five pre-season friendlies, lining up on the left side for the opening 45 minutes in the defeat at Solihull, but has appeared from the bench in all of the others.

When the opportunity has presented itself the wideman’s pace has been evident. It is that asset Roche believes sets him apart.

“He’s better than the other players we’ve moved on before,” added the Warers boss. “He’s just got the edge about him, he goes past defenders like they’re not there.

“He’s more of a winger in a 4-4-2 system or a wing-back. He’s very fit, athletic and tenacious in the tackle.

“He was brilliant for us and I’m very sorry to see him go. He’s going to better his career and you wish them all the best when they go higher.”