Hot-shot could be next Vardy

Spalding United`s talented teenager Jonny Lockie is dreaming of leaving the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League to follow in the footsteps of England striker Jamie Vardy after earning a trial with Premier League Leicester City.

The striker, pictured, has been banging the goals in for the Tulips’ U18s and reserve sides this season at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.

After recently making his first team debut for the First Division South club, club officials announced over the weekend that the 16-year-old is now preparing to trial with the Foxes before Christmas.

Lockie, who turned out for Crowland Town, Pinchbeck United and Holbeach United at youth level before joining Spalding, said: “It’s a really good opportunity for me to progress as a player and it’s one of those things you just can’t turn down.”

Vardy was released by Sheffield Wednesday aged 16 before kicking off his senior career with Stocksbridge Park Steels, breaking into the first team in 2007 and spending three seasons before switching to Halifax Town in 2010. Following his move to Fleetwood Town in 2011 for an undisclosed fee, he signed for Leicester City for a Non-League record transfer fee of £1 million in 2012.

The 28-year-old made his international debut for England earlier this year. Having scored 12 goals in his first 12 games of the season, including 11 in his last nine consecutive games, he could equal Ruud van Nistelrooy's Premier League record of scoring in ten consecutive games at Newcastle United this weekend if he recovers from an injury that is expected to keep him out of England's friendly with France this week.

Image courtesy of www.spaldingvoice.co.uk

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Where next?

Trophy run wanted by Wade Blyth Spartans manager Tom Wade is penciling in a run in the FA Trophy as the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League club's next priority.

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