Torquay United manager Martin Ling has extended the stay of Welsh midfielder Nathan Craig until the end of the 2011-12 campaign, so he can assess the former Everton prospect more closely.
Craig came through the ranks at Goodison Park before he was released by the Toffees at the end of last season.
Despite never playing a Premier League game for Everton, he made one appearance in the Europa League against BATE Borisov.
Since then, he had been appearing for his hometown club Caenarfon Town in the Lock Stock Welsh Alliance before he was brought to Ling's attention.
A regular for Wales youth side's in his younger days, he appeared for his country in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2008. Craig has also appeared for the principality at Under-21 level where he appeared alongside the likes of Andy King, Darcy Blake, Neil Taylor and Ched Evans, all of whom have progressed to the Wales senior side.
Before then, his talents were being widely recognised as he won a national football skills competition on the BBC's Football Focus show as a 12 year-old.
His longer stay at Plainmoor will give Ling the chance to assess his young charge closer and give him a taste of first team action at the same time.
"Nathan has done really well in his trial and deserves the opportunity to show us what he can do over an extended period," said the Gulls boss.
"This arrangement allows us to make a proper assessment on whether to offer Nathan a long-term deal in the summer."
This arrangement is similar to the one used when one of Craig's new teammates, and fellow former Everton starlet, Eunan O'Kane was first brought to South Devon.
O'Kane arrived at Plainmoor during the January 2010 transfer window from Northern Irish side Coleraine, like Nathan Eunan had also returned to his home land following his release by the Toffees.
He impressed the then Torquay manager Paul Buckle sufficiently to be offered a two-year contract at the end of the campaign. Eunan is currently under contract with the Gulls until 2014 after establishing himself as one of the most talented young players in the lower leagues.
Now there is a source of inspiration if ever there was one.
