LIAM Drew has been selected for a three-year football scholarship with Nationwide Second Division leaders Plymouth Argyle.

The 16-year-old Coombeshead College, Newton Abbot, student, is one of only nine young footballing hopefuls offered scholarships this year.

With one eye on the future, Argyle operate a youth policy to nurture young talented players and Liam was singled out by John James, the club's youth development officer.

'I spotted him when he was playing for Devon Schools. He is a very good footballer and a really nice lad. We think a lot of the boy,' he said.

Liam, whose hero is England star David Beckham, who has been playing soccer for as long as he can remember, played for Torbay Schools before being picked for the Devon side.

He plays for Coombeshead College, used to be a member of Newton Abbot Under 16s, and is the first Coombeshead College student to be offered a football scholarship at Home Park.

A delighted Liam, whose favourite position is right back, said he could hardly believe he had been selected.

'After completing the scholarship, I hope I might be offered a professional contract with the club,' said Liam.