FOOTBALL mad Luke Davies dreams of playing for Manchester United and would love to be as famous as his hero Zinedine Zidane.

But red-tape means the seven-year-old defender can't play for the team he has represented for the last 18 months because he lives just yards outside its catchment area.

Gwent County Football Association requires all players aged over seven to have an official football licence and to register on its database.

But because Luke lives in Harbour Road, Llandegfedd, in Monmouthshire, he can no longer play for Llanyravon AFC because it is in Torfaen.

His mother, Sue Davies, said: "I can see the stream which marks the border at Candwr Brook from outside my window. This rule is ridiculous."

Luke goes to school in Torfaen at North Road Infants School, Croesyceiliog, and his doctor and dentist are there.

The heartbroken youngster said: "I would be very sad if I couldn't play in the team with my best friends again.

"I only want to play for my team. If I can't, I won't play again."

A spokesman for Torfaen Junior and Youth league confirmed that all seven-year-olds need a licence to play.

He said it ensured all players were covered by the Gwent County Football Association's public liability licence.

He said: "No application for registration has been rejected.

"One was submitted with an address which seemed to be outside the Torfaen league's boundaries. This was returned to the club which was asked to clarify those details.

"The club was reminded of the rules of the league rules which affect the other three junior leagues in Gwent.