CARL GALLOWAY is taking a massive step towards playing for his dream team. No, not Man United, Man City or even Bury . . . it's Sunderland where Carl's heart lies, writes STEVE BOTT.

The 16-year-old Whitefield lad will link up with his idols at the Stadium of Light at the end of June after signing a three-year scholarship and will almost immediately embark on a tour to Ireland, where Carl hopes to be competing against top quality youngsters from Juventus, Inter Milan and Manchester United in the Milk Cup tournament.

It's a dream come true for the Philips High deputy head boy. "I started supporting Sunderland when I was 11," said winger Carl, who has played for Greater Manchester as well as Philips, and has also had spells with Man United and Bury as a schoolboy.

"We had friends from up there and I saw them on television and I have been a fan ever since.

"I went to Hillsborough to watch them last Saturday. Kevin Phillips is great. I love it up in the North East. It's a brilliant set up at Sunderland and I can't wait to get started," added a delighted Carl..