Teen’s Scot premier goalkeeper potential
A WEAR Valley teenager has signed a two-year contract with Scottish Premier League side Hibernian.Sixteen-year-old goalkeeper Lewis Graham put pen to paper on the deal this week having risen through the ranks at Willington and represented England at schoolboy level.
He has also been named in the 20-man squad for the next series of England schoolboy matches, culminating in a tournament between the four home nations.
Lewis, who has been playing for Wallsend Boys, the same club that launched Alan Shearer and Michael Carrick, said: “I just can’t wait to get up there and start playing football. “The facilities at Hibs are awesome and I’m looking forward to having a good crack with other lads.
“I thought there might be some rivalry between the players because we are all wanting to play, but they have all been really friendly and I know that I am going to have the best time there. “I can’t wait to play football everyday and the fact I’m getting paid just makes it all the better.
“I don’t want to be a celebrity footballer, I just want the chance to play and make a career on the pitch.” Although a Leeds United fan, Lewis says it is his dream to play for one of the North East clubs.
Lewis said: “I want to get these two years out of they way and hopefully get another contract.
Ultimately I’d like to return to the North East and play for one of the local clubs like Sunderland or Middlesbrough, and obviously it would be great to play for England.” Lewis, will move to Edinburgh in June where he will carry on his studies in sport while playing for Premiership outfit Hibernian, and there is every chance he may get a game for the first team.
Lewis’ father Colin said: “The lad that was in Lewis’ position last year was named on the bench a few times this season so you never know, they might well call him up.
“We are so pleased for him and it’s fantastic that he is able to do something he really loves. “A lot of young men have to get jobs they don’t like just to earn some money, and we are so proud that Lewis can play football for a living.”
Lewis played as a striker until he was nine, but now says there isn’t anywhere he would rather be then between the posts. Lewis said: “I love diving around in the mud. “I haven’t really got any heroes, I just admire players who love the game and show their passion for it on the pitch.
“I like David James as a player, but really I just go and play it my way. “I’m really pleased to have made it into Hibs, and they are perfect for me at the moment.
“I went for a trial at Hamilton who are in the Scottish first division but they didn’t want me, so it’s really great but a bit weird that I got into a better club like Hibs. “I can’t wait to play Hamilton now though.”
Lewis’ mother Sue said: “Lewis has always had that something extra in his football and we knew he would go far. “We are over the moon for him although it’ll be a bit strange with him living in Edinburgh, especially for his twin brother Evan.
“All of our boys are football mad, and they are all really pleased for Lewis and there isn’t even the slightest hint of jealousy.”
