Sean Shields (left) seen here in action for St Albans City, has signed a deal with Daggers until June 2016. Pic: Herts Advertiser

Dagenham & Redbridge boss John Still hopes he has found the next big thing from non league after signing midfielder Sean Shields from St Albans City.

Manager John Still has plucked his latest player from non league in the shape of attacking midfielder Sean Shields from St Albans City.

Shields, who turns 21 later this month, has impressed the coaching staff at Victoria Road in a trial spell and has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal which will see Shields stay at Daggers until June 2016.

The former Rushden & Diamonds youngster rose to prominence with a hat-trick this season in the 6-2 FA Cup second qualifying round win over Ashford Town (Middlesex) earlier in the season, which ultimately led him to be nominated for player of the round.

On the signing, manager John Still, said: “He is a winger who was recommended to us. We brought him in to have a look at him and he’s done very well since arriving so we’ve signed him up on a long contract.

“He is a young and hungry player that can become another exciting Dagger.”

Shields broke into the first team at St Albans in the 2010-11 season after impressing in their reserve side.

The 20-year-old played 92 times for the Southern Premier side, scoring 17, before signing for the Daggers today.

He will wear number 35, but was not signed in time to feature tomorrow night at Morecambe.