Barnet have strengthened their squad ahead of the new National League season by wrapping up a deal for 19-year-old goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics on a two-year-deal.

The 6ft 7in stopper has been on trial at the Bees throughout the duration of pre-season as one of several players that manager John Still has been casting his eye over.

Matrevics, who hails from Latvia, is a former academy product at West Ham United and featured prominently for the Hammers in their Under-18s side.

He also earned minutes for their Under-23s in the Premier League 2 last term, and even played against Barnet when they faced a West Ham XI a season ago.

Having featured in six pre-season matches, including against West Ham and on Monday at Hampton & Richmond Borough, Still has moved quickly to provide competition to new signing and number one Mark Cousins.

And he is confident that, by bringing in the Latvian youth international, he has acquired the right player to challenge Cousins at the Hive.

“We needed to bring another goalkeeper in,” Still told the club website. “Mark [Cousins] has come in and supporters have seen in pre-season that he’s a very, very good goalkeeper.

“We wanted someone under him, but do you go for an experienced one that can push him all the way or do you go for one that you think can grow.

“He’s a Latvian youth international and when the opportunity came to get him, we pushed the button and I’m absolutely delighted."

Having suffered the disappointment of being discarded by West Ham, Matrevics expressed his delight at getting the deal done and is confident that a positive team atmosphere can help the team fulfil their potential.

“I’m very happy,” said Matrevics. “It's been a while, I've been here for a few weeks now and I've been looking forward to this day. I can move on and look forward to the season.

“It’s a good team atmosphere here, this group has got a lot of potential this season and I'm looking forward to working with them.”