DAVID Gray once had modelling on his mind -- but now he just wants to have a second chance at becoming a model professional footballer.

The 20-year-old hitman was on Rochdale's books as a teenager and made a few substitute appearances for the Third Division side but admitted he didn't give it his best shot.

After leaving Spotland, his mum decided to enter the six footer for a "Face for the Millennium" competition, where he got through to the last five but just missed out on winning a modelling contract.

And now he's just happy striking goals for North West Counties Division One side Rossendale -- and is hoping it may help him return to the professional scene.

"I wasn't dedicated enough when I played for Rochdale. We were all young, we went out drinking a lot and I didn't really appreciate what I had. I took it all for granted.

"When I left, I trained with Clitheroe and moved to Northwich Victoria but I couldn't drive and was getting the train everywhere so it didn't really work out."

In the meantime, David's mum had encouraged him to have some pictures taken and sent them to some modelling agencies in Manchester.

"I thought he had the looks so I decided to give it a go," said his mum.

Several had shown an interest and, although he didn't know much about it, one of them had entered him for the "Face of the Millennium" competition. "I was embarrassed posing for the pictures and all that. I didn't really enjoy it, honest! Someone rang me and said I was through to the last five and I couldn't believe it as I didn't know anything about it. I didn't win so since then I've just forgot about it really."

Instead of glamour and glitz, David decided to settle down and works at Courtesy Shoes in his home town of Bacup and loves playing for the Dark Lane side.

"It's great. I loved Rochdale because it was a family club and I feel the same about Rossendale.

"I've been here since the summer, we are a young side and I have settled down a lot. I've got a different attitude now.

"And, for the first time since I left Rochdale, I'm getting my first regular run of games which has helped me a lot."

In fact Rossendale, challenging for promotion, have one of the most fresh-faced strikeforces in the league.

David and 19-year-old Craig Sargeson have scored 24 goals between them -- David has got ten -- and have helped Rossendale to a 13-match unbeaten run.

Next up tomorrow, is a trip to high flying Mossley.

"This will be a real test for us," said Dale manager Jim McCluskie.

"We haven't played many of the top sides so we'll see how far we have come. There's a lot of games to be played and the league is wide open."