AN Oakley teenager is dreaming of life as a professional footballer after being handed a two-year contract by Premier League outfit Portsmouth.

Kane Cook, who is 14, was spotted playing for Pace Youth FC against Southampton’s academy side and was delighted to sign for the south coast club.

“I was over the moon,” he said. “I could not believe it and am still pinching myself.

“I have not been to a training session yet and while I am really looking forward to it, I am a bit nervous as well because we will be mixed in with boys from the year above.”

Cook, who says his best position is on the left wing, knows where his strengths lie but is aware that there are parts of his game that need to be improved.

“My strengths are running with the ball, passing and shooting,” he said. “My heading is not great so I need to work on that and using my right foot as well.”

Signing for Portsmouth is something of a commitment for the Testbourne Community School pupil, who will have to travel to the south coast four times a week, three times for training and once for a match.

“It is a lot of travelling but hopefully it will be worth it,” he said. “My mum is going to be taking me so I have a lot to thank her for.”

Cook is hopeful that he can be successful in professional football but is hoping to play for one of Portsmouth’s Premier League rivals in the future. “I support Arsenal so hopefully one day they will come in and sign me,” he said. “I am optimistic that I can have a career in football but just plan to try hard and see what happens.”