WHEN a young child picks up a sporting object of any description, it's usually just for fun.
But when John Simpson first got hold of a bat and ball as a two-year-old while watching dad Jack play cricket for Ramsbottom, he meant serious business.
He has grown up with the thud of leather on willow - swopping allegiances along the way when his dad moved to Haslingden in 1998. Determined to follow in his footsteps, John has now taken over his gloves at Bentgate to become the youngest wicket-keeper in the Lancashire League.
And if the finger of fate points in the 14-year-old's direction this season, he could even be selected for Lancashire seconds.
"I'm not saying I want anyone to get injured, but if something were to happen to the first team or second team wicket keeper, then I might be offered the chance to keep in the seconds," he said.
"Realistically, though, I will be with the under 15s and hopefully might be able to get into the under 16s at some stage."
Which is no mean feat, considering he will be juggling his commitments to Haslingden as well as the England under 15s Academy.
But he could be forgiven for thinking more fortune could come his way after past experiences.
John made his first team debut for Haslingden last season against Colne when he was just 13. His dad had announced his retirement at the end of the previous campaign and the new senior wicket keeper Andrew Smith had picked up an injury.
But far from being fazed, in front of family, friends and a host of other spectators, he marked the occasion by claiming his first victim as he caught Michael Blomley behind.
And the teenager went from strength to strength, taking four catches in quick succession during one game for North East Lancashire against North West Lancashire.
As a result, he has not only kept his place in Haslingden's starting line-up but also caught the eye at national level.
"It's very competitive in the England set-up because of what it might lead to in the long term," he said.
"I'm going to spend three days with the under 15s Academy, from May 27 to 29, at Bradfield College, near Reading.
"We'll play a game between us then the selectors will pick the squad for the rest of the season."
He added: "I'm not nervous about it, more excited. I just want to go and do well then see what happens.
"But I also want to carry on playing for Haslingden and maintain my place for as long as possible. The Lancashire games are usually midweek so I should be able to manage."
But that will mean missing a number of school days between now and the summer holidays.
"My teachers have said it's okay as long as I make the time up out of school and still do the work," said John, who attends St Gabriel's High School in Bury.
He says he owes a lot to Lancashire youth coach John Stanworth, who spotted John's potential when he was just 11 years old and invited him for county trials at Atherton.
From a selection of dozens of talented young cricketers, he only had one wicket-keeping rival. And John believes his promising batting style gave him the nod when the squad was selected.
"I concentrate on my batting because you have to be able to bat if you are going to be a successful wicket-keeper," explained John, who lives close to Ramsbottom CC's Acre Bottom ground.
"I look to people like Lancashire keeper Warren Hegg and Ian Healy, the former Australian keeper. He didn't drop anything, and that's something I try to do.
"The diving catches might look spectacular, but I don't care how I catch them as long as I do."
But while he looks up to and admires certain professionals, the biggest influences on his career have been members of his family.
As well as his dad's cricketing background, his maternal grandfather, Ken Gowers, played rugby league for Great Britain in the late 1960s, while his paternal grandfather, Jack Simpson, played cricket for the Army and, as well as watching John play, often takes him to Lancashire's games at Old Trafford.
And John hopes grandfather Jack will one day be watching him represent his county.
Burnley bowler James Anderson's rapid rise from Lancashire League to world fame is something the 14-year-old hopes to emulate.
"Hopefully I'll be able to follow in his footsteps and get into the England squad," he said.
"It didn't come as a great surprise that he was picked for the World Cup because England had injuries, with Ashley Giles and Darren Gough out, and needed a quick bowler.
"He is someone who can be an inspiration to myself and other young players in the Lancashire League.
"I've always wanted a career in cricket, so I know I've got to get my head down and keep working hard.
"I know I've got time on my side, but my dad always says, if you're good enough, you're old enough."
"I want people in the are to start talking about me now and take some of the limelight off James Anderson.
"They will miss James Anderson when they need to open the attack. But they have other good players such as Jonathan Clare and David Brown.
"We've signed three new players to strengthen our bowling and batting, and we're looking forward to setting standards.
"We've got a strong batting line-up so I'm batting at 10 at the moment, but I'm hoping to try to work my way up the order this season."
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