Declan heading North

May 7 2009 by Philip Kirkbride, Ormskirk Advertiser

Declan heading North

DECLAN O’Rourke has taken his first steps towards a career in professional football.

The eight-year-old Skelmersdale lad has signed schoolboy forms with Championship side Preston North End.

Having just missed out on a similar contract with Premier League giants Manchester United, Declan was snapped up by North End after just one week with them.

O’Rourke, of Rose Crescent, plays his local football for Polaris JFC and manager Nick Matthews has revealed his pride in Declan becoming the club’s first player to pen a contract with a pro side.