TALENTED Basingstoke footballer George Hallahan is a step closer to winning a dream professional contract with Leyton Orient, Swindon Town or Wycombe Wanderers.

The 17-year-old striker, from Pennine Way, Basingstoke, is one of 22 players who have progressed to the final of Samsung’s nationwide Win A Pro Contract competition, which this year attracted a record number 5,700 entrants.

Hallahan, impressed the club representatives and scouts at the semi-final at Adams Park Stadium, home of Wycombe Wanderers earlier this month.

The teenager, who plays for Basingstoke Town Academy, said: “This is amazing. I didn’t expect to get this far, it’s a dream come true.

“I’m going to be training every day from now until the final so that I can perform to the best of my ability.”

Hallahan will now compete in an 11-a-side match against fellow amateur hopefuls at Swindon Town’s County Ground on Sunday January 12 (kick-off 3pm)

Leyton Orient manager Russell Slade said: “Talent is important, but what we’re after is someone with the right attitude who is willing to give everything and also take things on board and learn.”

Wycombe Wanderers’ boss Gareth Ainsworth said: “Some of these players will have dropped out of the league system and had experience before - this is a second chance for them.”

Swindon Town manager Mark Cooper added: “As well as their natural talent, I’ll be looking out for players that are not afraid of rolling their sleeves up, doing a bit of hard work and committing to the cause.”

For all Samsung Win A Pro Contract updates, go to facebook.com/samsungfootball