A WEST Kilbride youngster has high hopes for a career in football as he continues to thrive in the Glasgow Rangers youth academy.

Arran Fox may be just 12-years-old, but he is certainly showing signs that he could be the next top talent to be produced in North Ayrshire.

Arran first started playing football with TASS Thistle in the Three Towns aged five, with his "brilliant coaches" playing him on the right wing.

The youngster added: "After this I got put forward along with three other boys to have trials at Kilmarnock at about seven-years-old.

"I got a place at Kilmarnock and enjoyed a great couple of years there before getting scouted by Rangers and Celtic, after some trials I chose to join Rangers and got offered my first contract at 10."

There have been some incredible experiences since then, with the West Kilbride boy - who describes himself as an attacking fullback - having the opportunity to test his talents against some of the biggest clubs on the planet.

Arran explained: "In the last two years I have been fortunate enough to go abroad for tournaments and played Real Madrid, PSG, Juventus, Liverpool, Man City, Man United, Arsenal and Leicester.

"These have been some of the best experiences of my life."

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The latest step taken in Arran's development has come as he makes the move from primary school into secondary education.

His very proud mother Claire explained: "Football and Rangers in particular has given Arran some amazing life experiences and opportunities. Arran works hard training three nights a week at Murray Park in Milngavie.

"As a signed player when you reach secondary age you can apply to Boclair Academy through Rangers' affiliation with them. Rangers choose the players they want to award a place to.

"This enables the player to have his studies incorporated into his timetable - equating to 15.5 hours of football per week, including match time at the weekend.

"The opportunity this year was only given to six boys - and Arran was selected! Boclair is a fantastic school, with amazing facilities and an enviable sixth place within the academic league table."

She also explained that having local lads to look up to is great inspiration for Arran.

Claire said: "We are so proud of what Arran had achieved so far with his football. His attitude and commitment have been admirable.

"With locals such as Billy Gilmour and Ben Doak achieving great things and Scotland's recent Euro squad coming so close, we feel that sport and football has never been more achievable for youngsters in Ayrshire."

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Dad Graham, a professional golfer, says he hopes his own experiences in sport can help drive Arran on.

He commented: "With my background in professional golf I understand how hard it can be to compete at a high level in sports but it can also be extremely rewarding.

"Arran has lots of potential but if he is willing to outwork everybody he has a chance of a career in professional football.

"I’ve seen what talented sportsman can achieve with a very high work ethic. That is something I keep pushing with Arran."