Newcastle United revelation Michael Richardson is playing his way to a Premier League debut.
The former sparky is on the fringes of the Newcastle United first team after a string of impressive displays for Peter Beardsley's second string.
Richardson was signed after being spotted playing park football.
"I almost pinch myself every morning coming through the gates in my car - it doesn't seem real," he told the Evening Chronicle. "I was an electrician for two years, but I'd always played football since I was little. I got a trial and did well, and have been here ever since.
"It's a good story. Hopefully I'll keep playing well, and I'll keep progressing. Last year I never thought I'd be playing against Man U and scoring. It's been going well, and hopefully I'll keep going.
"If you keep going and, deep down, want to make it, I'm sure you can. You've just got to work hard and do the things needed.
"Having been a fan, it was unbelievable to sit on the bench. To warm up on the pitch at St James' Park in front of 50,000 was amazing."
