PROMISING Ballarat Red Devils Miles Baker and Jordan Franken are in trials with Melbourne Victory’s National Youth League Squad.
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A number of impressive performances in the National Premier Leagues Victoria season has prompted Victory scouts to invite the duo along to the initial training squad.
Baker, just 16, was picked up by Victory after several eye-catching performances with the Reds’ senior outfit, while 19-year-old Franken left Western Australia for Ballarat in search of greater opportunities.
At present, they train and play one practice match a week with Victory.
Ballarat already has one player picked up at elite level this season, with Dane Milovanovic signing on with Maldivian club New Radiant in June.
The average NYL player age is around 20 to 21, and Red Devils player manager James Robinson says the training alone will be extremely beneficial for the young stars.
“It gives them more insight into the game and a pathway to go higher,” Robinson said.
“This was all about the players (and their performances).
“If they do well, then the opportunities will arise for them.
Baker, who Robinson describes as a “level headed boy”, made his debut for the Reds against benchmark side South Melbourne in May.
Meanwhile, Franken has had an enthralling battle with Aaron Romein for the number-one keeper position in the senior side.