YORK City have completed the signing of defender Joshua King following a successful trial period with the club.

The 19-year-old central defender joins York after playing for the Carlisle United Park View Academy, who compete in the National Football Youth League – finishing top of the Premier North last season.

Speaking after signing the talented youngster, assistant manager Micky Cummins said: “He’s come from high-end college football, but he has shown a lot of maturity for his age and a lot of qualities to make a decent career in the game.

“We were aware of him when we were at Gateshead and have monitored his situation – we now think the time is right for him to come into full-time football.

“He has coped really well with the demands so far, we have a really good group who push each other, and he has fitted in pretty well.”

Sunderland-born King had been training with the team throughout pre-season and impressed the backroom staff during the warm-up fixtures.

Cummins added: “Josh can see a pass, reads the game really well and will take the ball under pressure.

“He’s a good learner and we will coach him. He’s one for the future but is certainly a player we can throw in if we do have an injury crisis.”

King’s signing is subject to approval from the National League and Football Association.