CORONATION Street's cheeky Chesney today revealed he wished his pet dog Schmeichel had been named after Burnley hero Robbie Blake.

Haslingden High School pupil Sam Aston has captured the nation's hearts with his portrayal of the ITV soap's loveable little rogue.

And the flame-hairded youngster has been nominated for the Most Popular Newcomer award at tomorrow's National Television Awards.

His pet dog in the show was named after ex-Manchester United and Denmark goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel - because it is a Great Dane.

But the Clarets-mad fan said: "I hate United - I would have preferred them to call it Robbie Blake, although I don't think it would have the same ring!"

Today, Burnley's star forward said: "I suppose it's the closest I'll ever get to appearing on Coronation Street!"

Sam, 11, from Bacup, said: "I love Schmeichel, he's a cool dog and is really well trained. And because I spend so much time with him it now wouldn't seem right for him to be called anything else."

He has already picked up a raft of top gongs this year, although winning the NTA prize would be the ultimate achievement - just a year after joining the show. But he said his tummy was already in knots thinking about what he might say if he wins.

The child star said: "At the last awards I was so nervous I was sick and the press officer made me go to bed at 10pm."

His mum Janet, a medical secretary, and dad Richard, an accountant, try to keep Sam's feet firmly on the ground. But winning praise from pop stars Westlife and ex-Brookside babe Jennifer Ellison has already boosted his confidence.

"I met them at the Celebrity Awards," said Sam. "Westlife came up and said I was their favourite character - so I told them they were good singers."

The awards at London's Royal Albert Hall will be screened on ITV1 on Tuesday.