Torquay United 'may struggle to keep' Levi Ives

Ives is currently a second-year scholar at the Torquay United academy

Torquay manager Chris Hargreaves says the club may find it hard to keep hold of 17-year-old left-back Levi Ives.

The Northern Ireland youth international made his first appearance in Torquay's 1-1 draw with Aldershot.

Ives was knocked off the ball in the build-up to Aldershot's equaliser but Hargreaves feels he is a valuable talent for the Plainmoor club.

"To have that sort of accomplished left foot at his age is great and we may struggle to keep hold of him," he said.

"The goal was avoidable, but it was a foul on Levi and it's big learning curve for him.

"But I thought he was great though. What a talent at 17 years of age."

Hargreaves is planning to offer professional terms to the academy player, who was part of Northern Ireland's victorious squad in the prestigious Milk Cup tournament during the summer.

"He's a really mature 17-year-old and I thought he was fantastic, I really did." Hargreaves told BBC Radio Devon.

"I'm sure there are lots of people looking at him and I don't blame them."