DANNY Pilkington has signed a two year contract with Stockport County and follow in the footsteps of his older brother Anthony to the League Two club.

The 17-year-old impressed during a trial at the Edgeley Park club and will join when he finishes his studies in July.

It completes a remarkable passage for the brothers from Darwen who have trod an identical path in to the Football League.

For the boys went to the same school, played for the same Akzo Juniors team - TURN TO PAGE 35 FROM PAGE 15 founded by parents Neil and Sandra - studied the same course at Myerscough College and played for the same Non League sides.

And the Pilkingtons are two of only a handful of players who have represented Great Britain in the Catholic Games.

Now Danny, who was unveiled to County fans before the Morecambe match on New Year's Day, can't wait to join his brother in the professional ranks.

Danny was invited to attend trials at the club where he trained alongside his brother with the first team.

"The college has links with Stockport County and they invited me along for trials," said Danny who is in the last year of his National Diploma in Football Studies at Myerscough. "I didn't really think about training alongside Anthony because I was just concentrating on what I was doing.

"It went really well and thankfully they offered me a two year contract.

"It was great to get unveiled in front of the Stockport fans and I am delighted to have signed for the club."

Anthony, who has returned to action after ankle and thigh injuries, is looking forward to teaming up with his brother.

"I'm really pleased for him and I am looking forward to Danny joining me when he finishes his studies."

Danny's signing is another feather in the cap for Myerscough College's Football Academy.

Philip Brown, Myerscough Football Development Centre Manager said: "Danny has done fantastically well to follow in the footsteps of his older brother and earn a contract with Stockport County.

"He is a great talent and I am sure he has a promising future ahead of him.

"It's another great sign that the College is doing something right when it comes to developing young players."