Teenage midfielder Gerard Storey has revealed how hard work and perseverance helped him realise his football dream.
It was confirmed on Monday that the 17-year-old has agreed a two-year contract with EFL League One club Portsmouth .
The North Belfast teen will join former Portadown teammate Harry Anderson at Pompey.
Storey posted a message on his Facebook page after confirmation of his move to Portsmouth, revealing the hard work and dedication required to seal a full-time deal.
And he hopes his story can help motivate other young footballers who share the same dream.
He said: "I will be moving to England in June to start a challenge that I have always dreamt of since a little boy. I couldn’t thank my family and friends enough for supporting me all these years believing in me I could get to England.
"I could have easily given up trying to get to England last year after being to numerous clubs on trial but I stayed dedicated an kept working hard at Portadown, and when Tippy (Matthew Tipton) gave me the chance to play first team football I made sure to impress the fans and everyone at the club.
"But now I've finally got the opportunity I wanted and that was to get a move to England, so to anyone that is thinking of giving up, believe me if you work hard for something and stay dedicated you will achieve anything you want!!"
Ports boss Tipton said this week: Tipton said: “Gerard is a lovely footballer and I’m confident he has the ability and temperament to progress and improve in a full-time environment at Portsmouth.
“He plays centre midfield and his range of passing is unbelievable. He has every pass in the locker - short clever passes and 60 yard passes.
“Everybody wanted to sign him - Linfield , Cliftonville, Glenavon, Ballymena United ,” said Tipton. “But he came to Portadown because I guaranteed him first team football.
“People told me ‘you can’t put him in, it’s hurly burly in the Championship’, but I trusted his ability on the ball and I was determined to get him into the team.
“He repaid that faith and I vividly remember him being fantastic the night we lost narrowly to Linfield in the League Cup back in December."
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