A BROMSGROVE goalkeeper is hoping to turn a lucky break into a Premiership career after signing a three-year deal with Aston Villa.

Andrew Yarnold, aged 16, was handed the scholarship with the team's academy earlier this month after spells with Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion and Kidderminster Harriers.

But Andrew, of Avoncroft Road, Stoke Heath, only got his chance between the posts when his team's goalkeeper was injured during a game five years ago when Andrew was playing central midfield.

"I was playing centre midfield and the goalkeeper got injured and I volunteered to go in goal," Andrew said.

"I was good at it and the rest, as they say, is history."

If successful, he could be signed professionally inside two years, which is the ambition of the former pupil of St Augustine's, in Redditch.

He added: "It was a dream come true when Villa came in - it's a very big club."

During his time at Villa's Bodymoor Heath training facilities Andrew will receive education for one and a half days a week and train for the rest.

His training regime is different to outfield players as he concentrates on set pieces and crosses.

In addition, Andrew works on the speed of his movement in the penalty area as well as strength and power.