Fourteen-year-old Craig Hill is celebrating after earning a two-year scholarship with Premier League giants Chelsea.

The young goalkeeper, who has been with Oxford Mail Boys League team St Edmunds since he was under 8, will be at the Stamford Bridge club for four days a week, with the hope of working towards a place in Chelsea’s youth team.

Craig, who lives in Lyford Way, Abingdon, and attends Faringdon Community College, turned down the chance to be at Southampton some years ago, because of the travelling involved.

He instead signed for Swindon Town, but he left the County ground outfit before the end of his contract last December and was recently snapped up by Chelsea, who watched him in Des Williams’s Vale of White Horse Schools team, and invited him for a six-week trial in February.

The 6ft 1in keeper impressed in games against West Ham, Arsenal and Tottenham while on trial, and has now been taken on.

His mother, Debbie, said: “Craig is very modest about this, but I think he’s deserved it. He has worked very hard and is really determined.

“He’s got a large frame, but is athletic, and very brave. It’s a great opportunity for him.”