FORMER Crucible semi-finalist Darren Morgan believes he has hit upon a couple of gems that could really go far in snooker.

Morgan, 50, coaches the teenage quartet of Dylan Emery, Connor Caniff, Callum Matthews and Luke James at his Red Triangle club in Cross Keys.

Emery, from Pontypridd, and Tredegar’s Caniff, both 15, are currently playing in the EBSA European Championships with Ebbw Vale’s Jackson Page.

Matthews, 15, and James, 16, of Cwmcarn and Merthyr respectively, haven’t made the trip to Cyprus but are busy practicing for some big events to come.

Morgan, world amateur champion 30 years ago, has high hopes for the youngsters, two of which he also sponsors.

Analysing their skills, Morgan said: “Dylan has won under-16, 18 and 21 events and is the biggest threat to Jackson Page.

“He reached the world and European under-18 semi-finals in 2015, and I believe he can be the next big thing.

“He loves the game and practices all the time – if it was up to him he would be in the club all day.

“Connor doesn’t realise how good he is, he pots balls for fun and is a fantastic player to watch.

“Sometimes he does all the hard work and throws in a poor shot which undoes the good stuff.

“Callum is a Welsh international and would have been going to Cyprus but broke his collar bone and missing snooker through that cost him a place.

“He is a more methodical player and not quite as natural as the others.

“Luke has been playing in our junior club over the last couple of years.

“He is also a Welsh international and a very good potter, and he plays the right kind of game.”

All four have ambitions to turn professional and Morgan wants to make sure they don’t rush into anything too soon.

For now, Emery, Caniff, Matthews and James are enjoying their snooker under the tutelage of a straight-talking coach in the shape of former world seniors champion Morgan.

“I started playing after watching snooker on television with my dad,” said Emery. “I fancied having a game and loved it.

“I’ve had some good results so far and I try to practice as much as I can.”

Caniff added: “I was playing in Tredegar but came to play with Callum and I asked Darren if he could help me.

“I’ve been playing well and hopefully I can turn pro in the next couple of years.”

Matthews, who has been with Morgan the longest, started playing at the age of 10.

He said: “My dad brought me down to the club to play with my friends. I got into it more and really enjoy it.

“I should have been going to Cyprus but came off my bike and broke my collar bone. It was tough not being able to play.”

Like Matthews, James got his first taste of cue sports by playing pool.

“I started at the Scala club in Merthyr and won a few pool tournaments.

“I wanted to have a go at snooker and ended up coming to the club.

“I’ve just been concentrating on under-16 events this year and I want to try some under-18 tournaments now.”