A Blackburn schoolboy has made his full professional football debut before he has sat his GCSEs in a recent cup tie.

Oscar Kelly, who attends Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Blackburn, became the third youngest player to feature for Rochdale in the club’s history.

Aged just 15 years, eight months and 29 days, he came on as an 86th minute substitute for Rochdale in their FA Cup tie against Bristol Rovers on November 5.

Only Peter Thomas (15 years and 22 days) and Kevin Dos Santos (15 years, five months and 15 days old), who made his debut in the Papa John's Trophy earlier this season, were younger at the time of their Dale debuts.

Oscar came on with the League Two side trailing 1-0 in the first round fixture, after Rovers – who play in League One – went ahead through a goal from former Manchester City, Celtic and Preston North End winger Scott Sinclair.

Oscar was unable to make a difference for Rochdale in the game, which ended 1-0 and saw the Dale’s run in the FA Cup come to an early end.

He then went on to make his league debut on November 12, coming on as a substitute in the final minute as Rochdale lost at home to Mansfield Town.

Oscar has recently been part of Northern Ireland Under-16s’ Victory Shield campaign, having also represented his country at Under-17 level.

The Under-16 Academy player also won the 2021/22 Youth Team Goal of the Season.

Head of Physical Education at QEGS, Dr Mark Butler, said: “We are extremely proud of Oscar.

“His sporting achievements at the age of 15 are phenomenal, he has a very exciting future ahead.”