CWMBRAN teenager Jack Bodenham is hoping to make the grade at Cardiff City after being offered a two-year apprenticeship with the Championship club.

The 16-year-old Croesyceiliog Comprehensive School pupil will train full-time in the Bluebirds youth set-up from July this year.

Proud dad Paul said: “On several occasions Jack had been turned down at a younger age by the Bluebirds but continued to attend one of their development centres locally to continue with his dream.

“He was then signed by Cardiff weeks before his 14th birthday and has continued his development and currently captains the under-16 team.

“He has also represented Wales at under-16 and under-17 level.

“Jack has ambitions to sign professional terms at Cardiff in two years but realises there is a lot of learning and development to do from now until then.”

Bodenham is aiming to follow in the footsteps of fellow Cwmbran teen Jamie Bird, who signed his first professional contract with the Bluebirds earlier this month.

The 18-year-old forward has been part of the Bluebirds youth structure for 11 years.

Cwmbran-born Theo Wharton, aged 21, is also on the books at Cardiff City and has twice played in the FA Cup as well as winning a cap for Wales under-21s.