Matthew Carnelley
When Matthew Carnelley developed hydrocephalus as a baby, his parents prayed that he would be able to lead a normal life.
Thirteen years later the football-mad youngster is following in the boot-prints of northeast greats like Malcolm MacDonald and Alan Shearer.
He has made light of his condition, caused when he contracted meningitis, to be snapped up by Middlesbrough Football Club's Academy.
The midfielder, who joined the Premiership outfit just as ASBAH helpline patron Danny Mills left for Manchester City, is currently a key part of the Under-13 squad.
But his amazing achievements don't end there - he also has district cross country and 200 metre titles to his name.
Dad, Russell, summed up the teen star's amazing courage when he said: “As a baby we prayed he'd be able to lead a normal life…but now we feel we've got Superman.”
Matthew chose Boro ahead of Newcastle, Hartlepool, York and his home town and favourite club of Darlington.
Russell added: “We chose Middlesbrough in the end because its training academy is close to Darlington.
“We were concerned that when Middlesbrough found out Matthew had a shunt they wouldn't be interested, but they've been very supportive. All the coaches have been informed of the symptoms of shunt failure.”
Training sessions three nights a week from 5.30 to 7.30 means the trainee has to be organised to fit in his homework.
Matthew started playing aged five when he joined the Darlington Master Skills Academy, but admitted his parents were always wary.
“I developed good skills and fitness but mum and dad didn't want me to play in a competitive league,” he said.
But as he grew in stature and his talent became more obvious he was directed to a local team, from where he progressed to represent the district.
Each Sunday is spent playing another club academy side, and Mathew admits his dream is to break into the first team and become the next Mark Viduka or Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
Russell said: “He is as fit as any kid on the team. At a recent hospital check-up medical staff were concerned that his heart rate was too low, but it seems it is a result of his high level of fitness.
“It just goes to show that if the shunt is working, anything can be achieved.”
Matthew, who has a 15-year-old brother Daniel, admitted: “Getting into the Academy was a dream come true. I was quite nervous to begin with but everyone is very friendly and I settled in quite well.
“I started training with them last April - just as Danny Mills was leaving - and signed up in August.
“It was nice to have offers from several clubs but Middlesbrough was one of the nearest and its Academy is one of the best in the country.”
His ambition now is simple: “To fulfil my potential with Middlesbrough and enjoy my time there, but in the end become a professional.”