Taylor made for Inter Milan

Published on Tuesday 21 July 2009 09:46

FROM West Lothian to Milan – it's 900 miles as the crow flies, but a whole world apart when it comes to football.

Yet one youngster from Bathgate could be making just that journey after being talent-spotted at trials to find the football world's next big star.

Nathan Taylor, 16, dreams of turning professional, and after trials for TV series Football's Next Star, he is in with a chance of winning a one-year contract with Inter Milan.

The Bathgate Academy pupil joined teammates from the Blackburn United under-17 squad at the trials in Glasgow.

His fancy footwork impressed coaches so much that he was picked for a two-day boot camp at the England team's training ground in Watford this weekend.

He will be just one of 40 players from across the UK competing to get through to the next stage of the competition, which is open to 16 to 18-year-olds.

Ten finalists will be selected to attend Inter Milan's prestigious youth academy while being put up in a luxury villa in Milan for five weeks before the winner is selected by Inter boss Jose Mourinho

Nathan said he was astonished to have been picked. He said: "I wasn't really expecting it. It was quite a shock, although I think I played well enough to get spotted. The coach told me and I was shocked. It was on camera and apparently I look gobsmacked."

His achievement is all the more impressive given that he was struck down for two months at the beginning of this year by a viral infection which saw him lose two stone and miss numerous training sessions.

The group were told at the trials on Friday that Nathan was a "possible" for selection, and the Sky One crew, including former England star and presenter Jamie Redknapp, drove straight back to Blackburn with them to film at the club.

Nathan said he had been thrilled to meet the footballer and added: "I had a long chat with him, he was a really nice guy, just down to earth. He just gives you confidence to help you through."

Coach Brian Smillie, 35, said: "We sat in the changing rooms and Jamie was absolutely fantastic with the boys, he was so interested and genuine. Then they phoned back on Friday and said 'We'd like to bring the Inter Milan coach along on Saturday'. We were chatting about the club and he said 'I'm here today to tell you that Nathan has been chosen as one of the best ten for Scotland'."

As for Nathan himself, he might be reaching for the stars, but in the run up to this weekend's boot camp, he is also determined to keep his feet on the ground.

He said: "I think it would be a great experience, even if I don't get the contract, the classes will make you a better player.

"But if I get the contract, it would mean everything to me."