WHEN World Cup star Trevor Sinclair lined up against the samba stars of Brazil , the one thing he could be sure of is plenty of support back home in Whitefield.

Friends and family were shouting their hearts out in the hope that the 29-year-old midfielder and his team mates could overcome their South American rivals.

Having nearly missed out on a place in the squad, the former Castlebrook High pupil was flown out to Japan as a last-minute replacement.

And after coming on as a substitute during England's game against Argentina, the West Ham United star impressed pundits and rightly earned a place in the starting line-up for their following games.

For Trevor's sisters Jade Sinclair and Cheryl Watson, who live across from each other at Conisborough Place, Whitefield, events have been overwhelming.

Cheryl said: "We are all just so excited. It is the peak of any footballer's career to play in the World Cup and we are just so happy and proud for him."

As children, the siblings lived at Douglas Close with mum Ann and dad Mick, who now live in Blackpool.

Trevor went on to gain a footballing scholarship at Lilleshall before playing professional football, but remains close to his sisters.

Cheryl (33) said: "He has left a few messages saying that they are all trying to concentrate and keep focused on the job in hand."

"It will be very emotional when we see him again which hopefully won't be for a while!"

At Mersey Drive Primary School, which Trevor attended as a boy, youngsters will be cheering their hero on throughout the match.

Head teacher Mr Chris Riley presided over the school back in 1984, when his famous first team captain left for Castlebrook High after winning the Bury Junior Schools Sports Association Cup.

Even then, Trevor showed a talent and devotion to the game which Mr Riley believes has brought him this far.

He said: "It is a mark of great pride and a superb honour that Trevor has achieved so much. He was a very talented young footballer.

"It is not just his talent that impresses me, but the strength of his character in going back and contributing to the team so well after he had been sent home.

"I am very proud, both of Trevor and the part that we have had as a school in giving him a small leg up on his rise to international stardom."

Children at the school will be able to watch the second half of the match in school, but Mr Riley added: "I am not sure what we will do if it goes to extra time and penalties yet.

"We will cross that bridge when we come to it, but it would be the icing on the cake if Trevor were to score a goal."