Hampton & Richmond Borough striker Joey Collewijn is hoping 22 goals in the reserves last season can be his ticket into boss Alan Devonshire’s first team - and beyond.

The 21-year-old American-born striker pitched up at the Beveree on trial last summer and has made two appearances in the Blue Square South as a substitute having signed first team terms in November.

Collewijn, who was the club’s leading goal scorer for the season just finished, is one of a number of reserve team players to be given a chance in Devonshire’s first choice squad during the course of a troublesome campaign.

He has ambitions to break into the professional ranks, but admits he may have to take a step back to move forward in the same way strike rival Dave Tarpey - who netted 10 goals after returning from a successful loan spell with Walton & Hersham - did this season.

Having helped Hampton’s second string to the Suburban League Northern title with a 2-0 final day win over North Greenford United last week, he is hoping his goal scoring exploits can take him to the next level.

And if not, he admits he is still open to offers.

“It has been a long year at Hampton but it has been very successful mainly with the reserves,” he said.

“I’ve only had a couple minutes here and there was not enough to make an impact.

“Dev wants me to get very fit for pre-season and either sign on for Hampton’s first team or go out on loan to a Ryman League Premier Division club to play first team football.

“That is my back up plan, but I’m still looking for a full time club.”