Irish Premiership: Ballymena reject Palace bid for Matthew Shevlin

Matthew Shevlin scored with his first touch on his debut for Ballymena United in November 2014

Ballymena United have revealed that they have turned down a bid from Crystal Palace for their 16-year-old striker Matthew Shevlin.

The 'A' level student had a trial with the Premier League club in September.

Ballymena chairman John Taggart said he would be disappointed if the London club did not table an improved offer for their high-rated prospect.

A number of English and Scottish clubs have shown an interest in signing Shevlin.

Celtic's Under-21 Head of Recruitment, former player Willie McStay, watched Shevlin in last Saturday's defeat by Crusaders.

"Crystal Palace suggested they were keen to get a deal tied up quickly but their offer wasn't really one we would entertain," chairman Taggart told the Ballymena Times.

"Hopefully they will have another think and come back with an improved offer - I would be disappointed if they didn't.

"We don't want the young lad to be held back, but at the same time we have to look after the interests of Ballymena United and try to get a deal which will give us a platform to take the club forward.

"But central to everything is that it has to be a deal that suits Matthew - we wouldn't send him to anywhere that he didn't want to go."