A GREENOCK school-boy has been given a once in a lifetime chance to follow in his hero's footsteps and become an American football star.

Connor Nicolson, 16, a pupil at Notre Dame High School, has been hand-picked to take part in the elite boot camp in Williamsburg, Virginia.

The young defensive line, who plays for local side Inverclyde Phoenix, was selected for the camp after impressing an all-star panel of coaches at training in Stirling.

Vince Gillen, head coach of Inverclyde Phoenix, attended the event with Connor and believes hard work allowed the player to wow the panel.

He said: "There has never been a better coaching line-up available to British players and coaches than these guys; it was a privilege to be able to learn from the best.

"Connor thoroughly deserves this chance.

"He has put a lot of work and effort into his training and has genuine quality. I know he will do well and perform to his best abilities."

Connor's success echoes that of Lawrence Tynes, a former Greenock resident and leading NFL star with the New York Giants, who is the only Scott-ish player to win the sport's biggest prize.

Connor said: "Lawrence Tynes is a big inspiration. He's won two Superbowls and it's great to know that somebody else from Greenock has been so successful in the sport.

"His achievements are really are inspiring and I hope one day I can be as successful."

The first step for Connor is to compete with players from all over America who have grown up with the sport.

He said: "It's surreal to realise that I will be going over there and training with top American athletes.

"I will be one of the very few, if not the only, Scottish athlete who has ever been given the chance to train with them."

Connor is quick to admit that the American's will be tough opposition but believes the hours of dedicated training he has put in can make him a success.

He said: "It's supposed to be for fun – the training is serious but you just need to take it as it comes.

"I've trained constantly; there hasn't been a day when I haven't trained.

"It's the dedication, hours and focus that I put in that makes me believe good things will come out of it."

chris.taylor@heraldandtimes.co.uk