Folkestone boss Neil Cugley has questioned the commitment of talented youngster Callum Wraight.

The 18-year-old was absent without leave when Invicta concluded their pre-season campaign with a 3-1 win away to Southern Counties East League side Corinthian on Saturday.

Cugley said: "Callum texted me to say he couldn’t make the Sheppey game last week but said he’d be with us on Saturday.

"But he failed to show up and I’ve not been able to contact him since then. He let us down a couple of times last season which caused problems at the time.

"It’s a great pity as I really rate him in terms of ability but he seems unable to show the kind of commitment we need.

"We’ve got some really good semi-pros at this club who set a tremendous example in terms of dedication and loyalty so he’s not short of role models in the way he should behave."

Wraight has lost his place in the team to Chris Elliott, who has rejoined the club and will play in the season-opener against Molesey on Saturday in the absence of holidaying Nat Blanks.

Cugley said: "Billy’s done well for us in pre-season and his free-kicks and long throws are a real bonus.

"We’ve signed him initially on a short term deal but we’ll see where it goes from there."

Read more from Neil Cugley in the Folkestone & Hythe Express on Wednesday.