A TEENAGE football sensation from Stevenston is set to soar into the sporting stratosphere after being snapped up by Premier League champions Manchester City.

Liam Smith, 16, is now set to rub shoulders with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero as he aims to reach the top of the sport after agreeing a £200,000 four-year deal to join Pepe Guardiola’s giants.

The former St John’s Primary School pupil is now on the same ladder as Ardrossan youngster Billy Gilmour, who already has first team experience and Saltcoats starlet Liam Morrison, who joined former European champions Bayern Munich. All initially played for TASS Thistle FC.

Winger Liam was at Killie for more than eight years.

His dad, Alan said: “This is an absolute dream come true for Liam to have the opportunity to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the world. He is a big fan of the club and watchers their games regularly. It’s a fantastic set up.

“He has been down for a trial and then a medical and will sign a professional contract in June.

“I will head along with my wife, Kerry and the other two children, Declan and Demi.

“It should be a great day and we look forward to it.”

Football fanatic Liam eats sleeps and repeats the Beautiful Game.

Alan added: “All he wanted to be was a professional footballer and one day hopefully he will make it to the first team.

“It will be great to meet top players from the club. This will be great for football but also a real learning experience generally, living away from home and growing up as well.

“But he knows that he is going to have to work really hard to achieve things although he keeps so fit and really looks after himself.”

Alan is encouraged that a trio from North Ayrshire have all been courted by some of the biggest teams on the planet.

He said: “It’s great that three young players from this wee area have secured really great opportunities. The coaching was good and he has learned a lot at Killie. Liam made his debut for Kilmarnock Reserves at only 14, which is really young.

“I have to say it’s great set up there with some really good coaching and that will help him.”