Goalkeeper's Premier ambition

A young Shropshire goalkeeper has taken a giant step towards following in the footsteps of Joe Hart and breaking into the Premier League big time.

Connor Roberts, who lives in St Martins, near Oswestry, has signed a two-and-a-half-year professional contract with Everton.

The 17-year-old, who only left Rhyn Park School last summer, has been with the Goodison Park club since he was 15, having previously spent three years with Merseyside rivals Tranmere.

He has already embarked on training with Everton's No 1 Tim Howard and goalkeeping coach Chris Woods, a former England international.

"We are very proud of Stuart and he has worked very hard for it," said Connor's father Stuart.

"He used to go up to Tranmere four nights a week and then play on a Saturday and at Everton it has been five nights a week.

"His ultimate dream is to play in the Premier League but he will just take it one step at a time."

Roberts began his goalkeeping days with a two-year spell playing for Chirk Youth before being snapped up by Tranmere.

And he has also represented Wales at under 16, 17 and 19 level.

Former Shrewsbury Town and Meole Brace School pupil Hart has established himself as a top flight goalkeeper with Manchester City and Birmingham, where he is on loan.