King's Lynn's new striker Steve Diggin is targeting a debut goal in tonight's errea Southern League Cup quarter-final against Rugby Town. (7.45pm)

King's Lynn's new striker Steve Diggin is targeting a debut goal in tonight's errea Southern League Cup quarter-final against Rugby Town. (7.45pm)

Linnets' boss Keith Webb pounced for the 19-year-old former Aston Villa schoolboy ahead of Conference National Tamworth and a clutch of non-league rivals.

Diggin's scoring feats this season - 25 goals for UCL Premier outfit Cogenhoe - also earned the teenager a trial at League One strugglers Bournemouth.

The sharp shooter believes The Walks is the perfect stage to develop his emerging talent.

"Playing for King's Lynn is going to get me noticed a lot more," he said. "It is a step up from the level I've been playing at but I'm really confident in my own ability. We trained twice a week so I don't see the fitness side being any problem. Quite a few clubs had put in seven day notices and there was some talk Tamworth might be interested but I didn't hear anything more.

"I don't know too much about the club, although I saw Lynn on the television in the FA Cup and they are definitely one of the bigger non-league teams. I still feel I'm capable of getting myself into the professional game and playing for King's Lynn has got to help me. I was at Rushden for about a year but it didn't happen. I had a couple of days training with Bournemouth and I played in one trial game. I never saw any of the ball in that match so it was difficult to try and impress."

The pacy striker came through the Cogenhoe youth ranks before scoring a hat-trick on his first-team debut as a 17-year-old against local rivals Raunds.

Diggin signed off with a brace in United's 12-0 romp over Buckingham Town earlier this month - ex-Linnet Carl Holmes notching a five-goal haul.

"I should've had about seven that day," he said. "I've scored 18 in the league this year but missed about a month with a thigh strain. I was playing up front with Carl and we had a good link up going."

Jack Defty is again set to lead Lynn's young guns, who so far have dumped Stamford and Corby out of this season's competition. Norwich loan duo Andrew Cave-Brown and Andrew Fisk could also feature.

Club officials have confirmed up to two children (aged 15 and under) will be admitted free of charge this evening when accompanied by an adult paying the full admission price.

Webb has held further talks with Margate-target Grant Cooper. The Ryman Premier high-flyers tabled a seven day approach for the central defender last week with Cooper reportedly frustrated at his lack of first team opportunities.

Cooper started his first game in five matches against Bath on Saturday after skipper Mark Warren was ruled out with a calf strain.

"I've been open and honest and re-emphasized my position," said Webb. "He knows where he stands and he tells me he's fully behind what we're trying to do here. I felt he did okay in the game but until the situation is settled I've learned not to take anything for granted.

"We'll give Wazza every chance to be fit for the next match. If it's a case of monitoring the amount of matches he plays then I will. When players get tired that's when longer term injuries tend to occur."

Tonight's quarter-final tie will be played to a finish with 30 minutes extra-time and penalties if required.