A North Belfast teenager is realising his own football dream by signing for Rangers.
Blaine McClure is set to put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal with the Ibrox giants this weekend, joining fellow Linfield Academy youngster Callum Burnside in joining the Glasgow club.
Midfielder Blaine impressed Rangers coaches during a number of trials, and also caught the eye of several scouts at last summer's SuperCupNI when he was named Player of the Tournament while playing for County Antrim.
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The 16-year-old, a student at the Boys' Model, lives, breathes and sleeps football. And now he is preparing for the next chapter in his burgeoning career.
"Blaine has just turned 16 and has been on trial with a number of clubs in England. And then Rangers picked up on him," explained his father, Colin.
"He has also been living away from home with the Club NI academy, and now he is preparing to sign for Rangers. It is brilliant for Blaine and Linfield, and we are all extremely proud.
"Rangers have always had tabs on Blaine. They are a massive club and they have treated Blaine and our family so well throughout everything. They have made us feel like we're part of the Rangers family.
"Also big thanks to PLG football agency who represent Blaine and have been a massive help along the way."
Blaine has progressed through Linfield Academy's ranks over the past seven years and has recently been playing for the club's Under 18 and Swifts teams.
"It was always going to be Blaine's decision where he wanted to go. There were a couple of offers on the table but the Rangers one is the best fit for him," Colin added.
"There are a few Northern Ireland lads at Rangers, so it fits like a glove for Blaine. And he has played with Callum (Burnside) for the last number of years so he is moving with a teammate.
"That will make the transition easier for both lads."
Colin says his son has made a huge commitment to football over the years, making the move to Rangers a proud moment for his family.
"I am blown away by it, to be fair. We are all so proud of him," Colin added.
"Blaine has always been into football and people kept saying he will make it in football. He is still very young but he is within touching distance of realising a long-held ambition.
"He will have ups and downs but that is all part and parcel of his football development."
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