Former Ilkeston Town manager Kevin Wilson is proud seeing Che Adams star for Southampton and Scotland.

Seventh-tier Ilkeston, under the guidance of Wilson, had recently launched their academy and the youngster, after his release from Coventry City, was viewed as the perfect fit. The only issue was he was simply too good.

Wilson had no choice but to rapidly integrate the teenager into the first-team set-up while the club arranged nearby accommodation.

"Very quickly we realised, wow... what a player," he recalled to BBC Scotland. "We knew we had to make it work. At that level, there weren't many who could get you off your seat. Even at that age, Che was capable of it.

"He was a maverick. Like you see now, he was strong and powerful, but he would just breeze past people. He needed a few kicks up the backside, but he always wanted to get better.

"I truly believed he would eventually play in the Premier League. I'm so pleased he's proven me right."

Former Chelsea striker Wilson added: "It's a message to anyone.

"If you work hard enough and have the ability, someone will see it. You've got to give him massive credit for the way he stuck at it.

"When I watch him on Match of the Day, or see him play for Scotland, I always send a little text. He hasn't disappointed me one bit."