Chris Payne joins Sydney FC

Sydney FC has signed 17-year-old Chris Payne to a two-year contract, completing the A League club's allocation of under-20 players.

The striker will train part-time with Sydney FC until the start of August, while he finishes his commitments with NSW Premier League pace-setters Manly United and his Higher School Certificate.

He joins Nick Tsattalios and Adam Biddle as Sydney FC's U-20 players.

Describing Payne as an exciting talent, Sydney FC coach John Kosima said it was important the 17-year-old continue to honour his current commitments.

"Chris ... has been playing well in the NSW premier league in a team that is playing good football and getting results," he said.

"It is important at his age to continue playing games. It is also important that he finishes school and finishes the season for Manly."