A PROMISING young footballer from Rhyl has celebrated signing for Manchester United.

Cian McCormick, eight, who has represented Connah’s Quay Nomads and Rhyl-based Hearts United at grassroots level, signed for the club he supports last weekend.

Rhyl Journal: Cian McCormick at Old TraffordCian McCormick at Old Trafford (Image: Jamie McCormick)

Since being scouted while playing for Connah’s Quay Nomads last year, Cian trains with Manchester United twice a week, and represents them in youth matches on Sundays.

His dad, Jamie, was full of pride for his son.

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Rhyl Journal: Cian McCormick at Old TraffordCian McCormick at Old Trafford (Image: Jamie McCormick)

He said: “I’m really pleased for him. From a young age, we could see that he enjoys his football, and obviously, the help of his coaches at Connah’s Quay and Hearts United has stood him in good stead.

“We know academy football is ruthless, we know he could get dropped, but we know that, for at least 12 months, he’s going to get the best coaching.”

Cian, who has played football for about five-and-a-half years and whose preferred position is as a defensive midfielder, was also offered a place at Crewe Alexandra.

After being scouted by Manchester United at a Connah’s Quay Nomads; Cian was invited to club’s youth academy in Winsford, Cheshire.

Rhyl Journal: Cian McCormick at Old TraffordCian McCormick at Old Trafford (Image: Jamie McCormick)

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A student at Ysgol y Llys, Prestatyn, Cian was verbally offered a place shortly before last Christmas, before signing terms officially last weekend.

Jamie added: “He’s been in their main group for over a year now. He was one of only 22 lads signed, and the only Welsh boy.

“He was verbally offered a place just before Christmas, and we’re registering all of his details with the Premier League now.

“We’ve told him just to enjoy it. He’s living his dream. He’s ecstatic, but he’s taking it all in his stride. He’s not a big-headed lad; he’s quite shy, to be fair.

“He trained with the under-23s in October, and had a picture with Alejandro Garnacho… he’s having the best experience you can get, really, for an eight-year-old.

“It’s a big commitment, but he’s loving it.”