Byron Harrison admits he was caught as much by surprise as everybody else after the former Carshalton Athletic striker was snapped up by League Two Stevenage at the weekend.

Harrison was signed on New Year’s Eve and then made his first start in Stevenage’s 1-0 defeat at Gillingham, just days after appearing for the Robins in the derby clash with Sutton United.

And the forward, who struck 14 goals for Carshalton this campaign, revealed he was still coming to terms with the whirlwind developments.

Harrison said: “Apparently Stevenage had scouts watching me against Sutton and they obviously liked what they saw.

“Then I got a call asking to go and train with them for a few days then the next thing I know I am being signed and starting my first game.

“I cannot believe how quickly everything has happened.

“This is an absolute dream for me.

“Being a professional footballer is something I have waited my whole life for, and was the reason I was playing part-time football.

“I knew I was having a good season and I was hoping somebody would give me an opportunity.

“Stevenage are the ones that have given me this chance and I will be doing my all to impress them.”

Harrison’s former teammates responded in style to the shocking news, thrashing Croydon Athletic 4-1 on the road on Saturday with goals from Joel Ledgister (two), Gary Noel and Paul Johnson.

And the 23-year-old has nothing but good things to say about his time at Colston Avenue.

Harrison added: “There is no doubt I will look back on my time with Carshalton fondly.

“They have given me the platform to prove myself and I would not be here without that and that is something I will always remember.

“I have a lot of friends at the club and I am sure I will stay in touch with a lot of them.

“They are a good club with good fans and I only wish them the best going forward.”

Carshalton Athletic’s next three matches: Jan 8 Cray Wanderers (h), 15 Lowestoft Town (a), 18 Folkestone Invicta (a)