WORCESTER wonderkid Harley Irish is shooting for the stars after signing for Aston Villa's academy.

The 10-year-old Cherry Orchard Primary School pupil, who turns 11 on Christmas Day, has been snapped up after standing out during a weekly stint at Villa’s development centre.

It sees the up-and-coming left-back’s dream turn into reality having attended the Advanced Centre at Wolves before six weeks on trial at West Bromwich Albion.

Mum Jayne Irish takes up the story.

HOW DID THE MOVE COME ABOUT?

“He had been playing for Worcester City for the past two seasons after starting out with Nunnery Wood.

“Aston Villa has a development centre at Tewkesbury where he went on Wednesday evenings for a few months. They put him up for trial and he got in.

“We are super proud of him, he has tried really hard and this is what he wants.

“He is a fan of Real Madrid and had just come back from a tour over there when we got the call from Aston Villa so it was an amazing half-term.”

WHAT HAS CHANGED?

“It is a massive commitment, now he’s up there he trains Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays before playing on Sundays.

“He is doing day release from school on Fridays and is quite excited about that.

“He had his first game against Manchester United and then played Cardiff City away on Sunday.”

IT MUST BE QUITE A TRANSITION, FOR HARLEY AND THE FAMILY…

“We have three children and it is quite difficult to fit it all in but this is what he has wanted from day one.

“My husband played hockey for England and Harley has the same drive as his dad. He has got this dream into his head that he wants to be a footballer and as a parent you do anything to help and support.

“He is not a big-headed lad, he doesn’t boast or big it up and I am really proud of him.

“We all have to work as a team. You don’t want the rest of the children to suffer in any way, it is just a case of juggling everything and keeping going even though it can be difficult.

“It all comes down to teamwork and planning one week at a time.”

THE LAST WORD…

“Kev (Brookes, Worcester City under-11s manager) has been brilliant with Harley, everyone at Worcester City has every step of the way.”

Brookes said: “Harley has shown the dedication needed to play at the highest level of youth football, his desire to learn and progress is a credit to him.

“Worcester City has helped him achieve his dream of academy football by offering him a pathway and everyone wishes Harley all the very best of luck.”