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SCHOOLBOY footballer Jack Werndly has the chance to follow in the footsteps of his hero Frank Lampard after being scouted by the England star's former club West Ham.

The 12-year-old Longsands pupil, who lives in Eynesbury Manor, England, was spotted while playing for Cambridgeshire U13 representative team and after eight weeks of trials he has been selected to train four times a week with West Ham United's FA Premier Youth Academy.

Jack's mother, Dawn Bloy, said: "We're all very excited and he's absolutely chuffed to bits. I did not realise how good he was. We're very proud of him."

Jack's fledgling career began in Essex, before he moved to the St Neots area and started playing for Bushmead. He is now in his second year with a successful Priory Parkside side who are unbeaten this season.

Last year Jack scored a spectacular 44 goals – a tally even Mr Lampard would have been proud of.

However, now that he has been picked up by the east London team, Jack's services will no longer be available to Priory U13A manager, Alan Barnett.

Jack is a supporter of Lampard's current team, Chelsea, but says he doesn't talk about his allegiance to West Ham's rivals – an encouraging sign that he is already learning the vital sportsman's skill of diplomacy.

Jack's success in colts football has come with the full backing of his family. He said: "My uncle has helped me along the way and my step-dad, John, practises with me. My mum has always been supportive."

Jack says that his ambitions has always been to be a footballer, but as well as being dedicated, he is also realistic. He said: "I have to keep trying, if not I don't think I will get asked back. They can throw you out at any time."