TALENTED 12-year-old Kieron Evans’ dream of becoming a professional footballer moved a step closer this week as he signed a new two-year contract with Cardiff City.

Evans, of Brithdir in New Tredegar, joined the Bluebirds Academy aged ten and is hoping to make a career with the team he supports.

The attacking midfielder attends Heolddu Comprehensive School in Bargoed and is hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow New Tredegar boy Darcy Blake.

Defender Blake, aged 25, played for Wales, Cardiff, Crystal Palace and, last season, Newport County AFC.

“I hope one day I’ll be able to make my mum, dad and brother proud and become a pro footballer,” said Evans.

“If I make it I will be able to thank them for travelling all over the country watching me week in and week out.”

Evans, who can operate in central midfield or on either flank, has already played against sides from Swansea City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Bromwich Albion, Coventry City, Queens Park Rangers, Chelsea and Aston Villa at Villa Park.

He also travelled to Poland on a three-day trip and played against youngsters representing Celtic, Leeds and Slavia Prague and has played in tournaments against the likes of Manchester City, Millwall, Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday.

At the end of June Evans is set to travel to Valencia in Spain when he will be able to test himself against the future stars of Inter Milan and other European giants.

Dad Michael Evans said: “He’s a young lad with a dream of becoming a pro footballer and we’re all very proud of him.”