TOM Holland's ability with a football has seen him capture a national Manchester United Soccer Schools Skills Cup held at the club's former famous training ground, The Cliff.

Tom, aged 16 last week, enjoyed an early birthday present when he finished top in his age group out of ann initial entry of 9,000 youngsters who had all put their skills to the test.

The only disappointment for Tom was that the winner was due to perform in front of the 67,000 crowd before United's Premier League game against West Ham but the competition had to be held after the game because the kick off was brought forward due to Sky TV's coverage. He did have chance to watch the match first.

Tom, who plays for Welland Juniors U16s and Welland Athletic in the Worcester Saturday League Division One, said most of the other competitors were from league club acadamies and he was "very chuffed" to have come out top.

He said: "It was great to be on the ground that had seen the likes of Bobby Charlton, George Best and my favourite player David Beckham."

Tom said he would like to play at the highest level he can and with Welland Athletic manager, Richard Coles, who is looking after his further progress, is waiting to see if United make any move, but he has already been offered a course at Wigan.

Peter Manion, chairman of Welland Juniors, who Tom has been with since the U12s, said: "We are very proud of Tom's achievement. Not only is he a very good footballer but also an excellent example to other players and a fine ambassador for the club."