Newcastle United youngster Max Johnson, from Brinscall, has been signed up by HO Soccer, the firm that Portsmouth and England star David James puts his name to.

The 17-year-old has been taking part in a youth tournament in Germany and his dad Ross said: "Max is the only youth player on HO Soccer's books in the country so he is obviously very made up about that.

"It is a really good thing for him and means financially, Max doesn't have to pay anything for his equipment."

At the moment 17-year-old Max is sixth in line for the Magpies number one jersey after spending much of last season recovering from a posterior cruciate knee ligament injury.

Ross added: "This season Max really wants to establish himself within the club, he only managed the last two-and-a-half months of last season,
"He is still improving all the time and his goal is to make Newcastle extend his contract.

"The thing is Max was only 15 when he made his debut for Bury, he had trials with Liverpool and Tottenham and chose Newcastle. Now he wants to fulfill that potential. He said the other day that you might keep a few clean sheets and be on form – but that international keepers have to be perfect every time."

HO Soccer's David Pond said: "From our point of view we have a young pro at a big club like Newcastle, who is very highly thought of, a natural athlete and an exceptional sportsman."

Keep track of Max's progress at www.maxjohnson.net