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It's every young footballer's dream to become a professional footballer, but for Chorley soccer star Nathan Fairhurst that dream has become a reality.

The former Eccleston Junior School pupil, pictured, has just been given a one-year professional contract by Preston North End and will next season be competing for a place in the first team at Deepdale.

Nathan, 19, was told a fortnight ago that he was being rewarded for his hard work by being only one of two scholars out of a group of 12 young footballers to be given a contract, much to his, and proud parents Steve and Julie's delight.

Despite being a self-confessed Everton fan, Nathan, of Eaves Green Road, says he is delighted.

He said: "It is a great chance and I am delighted to have been given a contract. I have been here about eight or nine years now so to be offered the chance to sign professional is fantastic."

Nathan, and fellow scholar Phil Appiah who has also been retained by Lilywhites boss Alan Irvine, have been training with North End's first team.

He said: "You learn a lot from being around them every day and I think that we will become better players when we have spent a full pre-season with them.

"Paul McKenna is from the same village as me so seeing him in the first team really gave me the encouragement to work hard.

"Pre-season is going to be very hard but hopefully I'll get a chance to play in a couple of friendlies and then try and force my way into the team".

Dean Ramsdale, PNE's director of youth, said that he was delighted Nathan and Phil had been given contracts. He said: "It's never a nice day when you have to tell the lads which of them are being released because you build up a relationship with them over the time you spend with them.

"Nathan and Phil have worked very hard and now they have a year in which to try and earn themselves another contract."

4:42pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

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