DWAINE McFarlane is hoping to join a famous band of footballers whose numbers include David Platt, Peter Beardsley and Robbie Savage.

They all survived rejection by Football League clubs to make it in the professional game and 20-year-old McFarlane is aiming to the same after West Bromwich Albion decided not to renew his contract earlier this year.

After two years as a trainee and a season in the reserves Worcester-born McFarlane had to deal with the devastating fact that Albion boss Gary Megson was going to be released.

"It was a difficult moment because I didn't know what he was going to say," he said.

"He told me I hadn't peaked at the right time and that he wasn't going to sign me on again.

"I was disappointed because I thought I was going to get a contract but now I just have to get on with it and do my best for Worcester.

"I'm just trying to win a first team place and hope somebody spots me.

"A lot of the top players have been released at a young age and made it back so if I can impress who knows."

McFarlane trained with Albion as a schoolboy after having a trial with the club but it was thanks to another schoolboy that he got his chance.

"I was playing for Comer Road Saints U13 but they were more interested in my teammate Greg Bishop but said I could come along for a trial too and they ended up taking me but not him," he said.

McFarlane would get to mix with Albion stars such as ex-Kiddermin-ster Harriers favourite Lee Hughes who he described as easygoing and approachable.

The former Elgar High School pupil, who represented the county and ran the 100m in just over 12 seconds, has now signed a contract with Worcester City until the end of the season and is enjoying getting to grips with life in the Dr Martens Premier Division.

"It's one of those leagues that are quite physical but I've had enough experience playing in the reserves to deal with it," he said.

"I can play up front but I prefer playing on the right wing out wide where there's more space to do tricks and take players on."