THE excitement over the capture of Italian starlet Emanuele Morini heightened today after the 18-year-old striker impressed on his long-awaited Wanderers' debut.

Morini, who has been on the Reebok scene since an impressive pre-season trial, only received clearance from the Italian FA to complete his move earlier this week.

But he made up for lost time with a double strike, helping the reserves to a 5-3 victory over Stockport at Leigh's Hilton Park last night.

The boy from Roma, whose identity was kept a closely-guarded secret even after contract negotiations were concluded, also laid on a goal for fellow striker Olaf Snorrason.

Sam Allardyce confirmed: "We had a lot of problems getting his clearance from the Italians and great difficulty negotiating with his THREE agents - and he's only 18!

"He does look an exciting young prospect but he still had a long way to go in terms of his development, his fitness and his strength before he becomes a first teamer on a regular basis."

Morini, who first came to Wanderers' attention on the internet site of top players' agent Dennis Roach, is unlikely to be considered for an immediate elevation to first team football although Allardyce pointed out: "If our injury was horrendous he could perhaps go into the squad for Saturday."

Morini has signed a four-year Reebok deal - the first Italian to become a permanent member of the Wanderers' playing staff. His arrival takes to eight the number of nationalities now on the club's books.

One overseas player Allardyce will not be pursuing an interest in is Jamaican international Winston Griffiths, who was the oldest member of last night's reserve team. "He's been a great lad while he's been here but the lads I already have are a little bit more advanced. I've no room for another young player," the manager said.