A YOUNG footballer from the Port is showing his steely determination to make it as a footballer by signing for Premiership side Motherwell FC.

Jude Dow, nine, has penned a pro-youth contract with the Steelmen as he pursues his dream of becoming a professional player.

The St John's Primary pupil has progressed through the ranks of Greenock's East End United and played for the Celtic and Rangers academies, but the Lanarkshire side have won the race for his signature.

Jude, who is a central midfielder, says he is thrilled to join the Fir Park youth ranks.

Jude said: "It's a really good achievement for me and because I've loved playing football my whole life. "I enjoy football because I think it's fun. "You always want to win but it's about having fun as well."

Jude can also play on the wing and is predominantly right-footed, although he is comfortable using both feet.

His favourite Motherwell player is Fir Park legend Stevie Hammell, who is now the club's youth academy director having retired last year, and he also likes Celtic and Scotland star Kieran Tierney.

He lives in Port Glasgow with dad Martin, who played for Greenock Juniors, mum Fallon, younger brother Blake and wee sister Aria.

The youngster trains four times a week, has a game on a Saturday and often plays on a Sunday too.

Mum Fallon said: "We're really proud of him. "Since he was wee, he's always kicked a ball about and played football. "We're really happy he's come so far.

"He works hard for it."

Jude started out with local side East End Utd and was scouted by bigger clubs from the age of six.

He kicked off his pro-youth career with the Steelmen on Monday.

Fallon said: "Motherwell have a great set-up and the coaching is brilliant. "He's a happy boy."