A SCHOOLBOY from Preston is set to give Everton's teenage wonder, Wayne Rooney, a run for his money after clinching a footballing scholarship with rival soccer club Liverpool.

Now, Reds fan Conal Platt, 16, is aiming to follow in the footsteps of his Anfield idol, ace striker Michael Owen.

Soccer star Conal is no stranger to the Premiership club where he has played for the squad's under 16s and under 17s teams for three years after being spotted by a Liverpool scout.

He has already met Liverpool and England mid-fielder Steven Gerrard and, earlier this year, was named 'player of the month' at the famous Anfield stadium in front of a packed crowd of 45,000 fans and Liverpool manager, Gerard Houllier.

Conal's dad Joseph said he always knew his son had what it takes. "You can just see it," said the proud father. "He works hard and still has a lot to learn, but I'm sure he will do it.

Conal, a pupil at Our Lady's RC High School, St Anthony's Drive, has been practising his soccer skills since he was just three-years-old.

At the tender age of 13, Conal's striking skills were picked up by a talent spotter for the club while he was playing at Cadley Boys' Club, Conway Drive, Fulwood.

Last Thursday the youngster met the under-17s coach Dave Shannon who told him the good news. Now he has a chance to play for the team's reserves.

Joseph, who runs Black Bull News, Fulwood, said: "We are delighted. We knew this was it! The club is very professional and they have given us a lot of information about a career in football."

Conal, who sits his GCSE examinations this year, plans to move to Merseyside this summer where he will train at the club's academy in Kirby.

Headteacher at Our Lady's, Anthony Greenhall, said: "We are very pleased with his achievement. Conal is very talented and we wish him all the best."