Tooting & Mitcham boss Jamie Martin will give reserves star Anthony Barden his first team debut this weekend.

The versatile midfielder was marked by Martin as a possible Terrors star of the future from the beginning of the season after impressive displays for the second string.

Nineteen-year-old Barden was an unused sub in the Ryman League Division One South wins over Corinthian Casuals and Crawley Down, as well as the defeat to Sittingbourne.

However, after putting in a man of the match display in the London County Cup win over Beckenham Town in mid-week, Barden is to be given his chance with a starting place in the first team against Whitstable on Saturday.

Martin said: "Back when Roberto [Forzoni] was in charge, he asked me to check out if anyone in the reserves could make the step up.

"Anthony stuck out even then, although he was not quite ready. But sometimes a player has something about them and you think they could make it in the first team one day.

"Anthony has the physique to compete and is ready to make the step up. He was the best of the lot against Beckenham, even though he came off at half-time with a knock.

"He can play in midfield or up front, which gives me the good kind of headache."

The Terrors have been drawn away at Met Police of the Ryman Premier Division in the fourth round of the London County Cup.

Martin said: "I rested four first team players for the Beckenham game as this competition gives me a great chance to have a look at some younger players.

"Anthony really stood out, as did Anthony Joseph, and that is what it is all about."