Barnet boss Martin Allen has confirmed Under-18s hot-shot Matt Stevens will not be going out on loan because he is knocking on the door of the first team, though he is reluctant to overstretch the teenager.

Stevens, who will not be 18 until February, has only begun the second year of his scholarship at Barnet this season.

But after a 57-goal season last term he attracted interest from Premier League giants Manchester United and Manchester City over the summer.

There has also been a clamour from Bees supporters to see more of the teenage forward, who joined the club two summers ago from Reading.

He became Barnet's youngest player at the age of 16 when he was introduced as a late substitute against Alfreton Town at The Hive last September.

But has been used sparingly by head coach Allen since and made only three further appearance for the first team last season, scoring a penalty in the 6-2 FA Trophy replay defeat against Concord Rangers.

Asked on Monday where the young striker was in his plans for the season, the Bees boss offered words of encouragement to his prodigious frontman.

“He is still young enough for our Under-18s, "said Allen. "Matt won’t be going out on loan because he is knocking on the door of the first team.

“I have four centre-forwards at the moment and Matt has got to break through that little group first.

“There has been a lot of media coverage on Matt because he scores goals. He came on as a sub at Leyton Orient and we have had him in and around the first team this season,” added Allen.

Attacking midfielder Shane Cojocarel moved out on loan to Isthmian Premier Division side Billericay Town last week and Allen has confirmed he would like to move as many of the eight players who signed one-year professional deals over summer out on loan to get experience of men’s football.

He explained: “Three weeks ago the names of all the young players were circulated to all the Conference South clubs for a chance to go out on loan and play men’s football.

“Coming from the Under-18s, where they did so well last season, we would like them to go and play men’s football for a few months until Christmas or January.

“I hope some of the others can get out to play soon,” he continued. “They have worked hard, played lots of games behind closed doors and done really well with the hard training. But now the next step up for them is into the Conference South.

“Come 19 or 20 they have got to be ready. We had players last year who were God knows how old and everyone was calling them youngsters and I don’t see them as youngsters.”