Lee Sawyer, a 20-year-old midfielder released by Chelsea in November, has been snapped up by Barnet manager Ian Hendon.

"I think he has got a great future", said Hendon of a player who has played for Chelsea's reserve and youth teams since 2005 and also gained Football League experience in loan spells with Southend United (twice),Coventry City and Wycombe Wanderers.

Sawyer, who has been training with the Barnet squad for the past fortnight, signed a short term contract this afternoon.

Hendon added: "I have seen him play for Southend and also against us for Wycombe".

The newcomer was with Chelsea from the age of nine and signed a professional contract in July,2007. He was called up once as an unused substitute for the first team and only prevented from going on a pre-season tour to the USA with the squad by injury.

Sawyer, who has represented England at U-16, U-18 and U-19 levels, made 18 appearances on loan at Southend in 2008 and earlier this season, one with Coventry and nine with Wycombe.

Footnote: Hendon confirmed that Dean Sinclair has returned to Charlton Athletic after making two starts and two substitute appearances on loan with the Bees and scoring one goal. Sinclair was sent off against Northampton Town in his last appearance for two bookable offences and was due to serve his one-match ban this week.

"I'll certainly be keeping a watching brief on how his situation with Charlton develops", said the manager.

Dennis Signy