United States U20 international keeper Cody Cropper has received the international clearance which formalises the academy scholarship he began at the start of the season. The Minnesotan, 17, was given the OK last week and made his debut for the U18s in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Leeds at Playford Road.
The 6ft 4in tall stopper impressed the Blues’ youth set-up during a trial at Playford Road last season, having previously spent similar spells with Leicester, Arsenal, Birmingham, Portsmouth, Wolves and West Ham.
The keeper is in the US U20 squad for a tournament in Peru which starts next week. The US youngsters face Paraguay on September 6th, Colombia on September 8th and the hosts on September 10th with the winners and other places decided by play-offs on September 12th.
Cropper, whose father Joe is English, has also represented the United States at U17 level.