A teenager nicknamed the 'West Belfast Cafu' is celebrating after earning a move across the water.
Conor McVeigh came through the ranks of St Oliver Punkett before joining Linfield's burgeoning academy.
And his impressive displays for the young Blues have earned the 16-year-old a full-time deal in England, with English Championship side Blackpool making a move for the 16-year-old.
Read more: Rory McIlroy given awkward pairing with LIV Golf star at US Open
It is a massive opportunity for the Northern Ireland youth international, whose family name has connections back to the Co Down towns of Portaferry, Rubane and Kircubbin.
But it's in West Belfast where he earned his brilliant nickname, taken from the legendary Brazilian full-back Marcos Evangelista de Morais, better known as Cafu.
"Conor has worked hard to get to where he is now, so he deserves everything he gets," said his proud dad, who is also called Conor.
"He started off with Plunkett and then a number of Irish League clubs were interested in him including Cliftonville, Glentoran and Larne. But he decided to go to Linfield and he just jumped at the opportunity and grasped it with both hands.
"He won various NI Cups, National League trophies and Junior Irish League titles, and he loved it at Linfield. He has also come through the Irish FA's JD Academy at the University of Jordanstown and is currently playing for Northern Ireland Under 16s."
As for the 'Cafu' nickname, dad Conor said: "He earned the football nickname 'West Belfast Cafu' because of his energetic performances on the pitch, and he is brilliant going forward.
"Conor has a very good eye for one on one defending just like the Brazilian legend and trust me when I say this he does not miss a tackle!"
Young Conor - who attends De La Salle College - classes his dad as his biggest fan, and says his move across the water is reward for his father's faith in him over the years.
The teen - who is also a very talented footballer and hurler with St.Gall's GAC - said: "My dad has always believed in my talent and told me every day that my chance would come. He raised me on his own since I was 18 months old, so I will give everything I have to make this a success and make all his hard work and sacrifice worthwhile.
"He's never stopped believing in me and for that I'm forever in his debt as a son to a loving and supportive father. I want to make him proud."
Conor's dad also thanked the various people who helped his son in his young career, including the coaches and staff at Linfield and the Irish FA's academy.
"There are so many people to thank, from coaches, staff, agents and scouts. People like Jim Magilton, Andrew Waterworth and Micheal Gault to name a few. Also at Linfield, Conor's mentors Darren 'Doc' Devlin and Gareth Dempster who noticed some potential in him at a young age," Conor snr said.
"Also Murdock Sports Group player agency and the work of Stephen Whelan who pushed clubs such as Blackpool, West Ham and Ipswich to give him the opportunity to prove himself across the water."
READ NEXT:
- Michael O'Neill backs Ethan Galbraith to make the right move
Lee Bonis' dreams come true as he looks to cap off incredible season in style
Cliftonville appeal to fans after some online posts have 'crossed the line'
Brendan Rodgers' earnings at each of his clubs as Celtic target nets huge sums
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox
