Hythe boss Nick Davis likes what he’s seen from teenager Louie Procopi.

The 18-year-old impressed in central defence alongside captain Lex Allan as the Cannons drew 0-0 at Eastbourne Town on Saturday.

And he showed his versatility by finishing the game in a defensive midfield role.

Procopi, who went on trial with Premier League Brentford 18 months ago, is learning his trade in non-league as Hythe fight for Isthmian South East survival.

“Louie’s doing well,” said Davis. “He’s a good player and he can play in a few positions.

“He’s only young but he’s got all the attributes.

“He was brilliant on Saturday alongside Lex Allan and then when we had an injury, he sat in front of the back four and did really well. He’s quite versatile, which is good for us.

“We’re probably not sure what his best position is yet, where he’s got the attributes to play in a few positions.

“I’ve no doubt he’ll find it but it’s useful that he can play in a few positions when we’re as stretched as we are.”

Davis was pleased with Hythe’s performance at Eastbourne.

They had five players missing - Ollie Gray, Javaun Splatt, Medy Elito, Henry Young and David Ozobia - but went close to a much-needed away win.

“We’ve had the two best chances of the game,” said Davis.

“We had one cleared off the line and TT Walters went through one-on-one late on.

“It was a tight game but if anyone deserved to win it was probably us.

“Eastbourne haven’t lost in seven, so they’re a tough nut to crack, but we played well.

“We need wins in the position we’re in but you can never grumble at a point and a clean sheet away from home, especially with five players missing.”

Hythe are six points from safety after losing 2-1 at Merstham last night.

Ozobia gave them the lead on his return to the side but the high-flying Moatsiders scored twice at the end of the first half.

The Cannons host title-chasing Sittingbourne at Reachfields this Saturday (3pm).

That’s followed by a rearranged game at relegation rivals Littlehampton next Tuesday (7.45pm).

“We need every point we can,” said Davis.

“We’ve got to go into the Sittingbourne game thinking we can get something from it and then Littlehampton’s a six-pointer if ever there was one.

“We’ve been really good in 2025.

“We’re still having to put out fires here, there and everywhere with players injured or leaving or unavailable.

“I suppose it’s the same for most teams but you look at the top five and it’s pretty much the same 16 week in, week out, which gives you that continuity and consistency.

“We should have been beaten Margate and Three Bridges, we had one bad half against Broadbridge Heath, but other than that, we’ve been really good since the turn of the year.

“There’s still a long way to go and we still believe we’re going to stay up.

“We’ve just got to keep fighting for every game. Every game is a cup final for us.”

Meanwhile, Hythe have announced they will field both development and under-18 sides next season.