ALEX Smith is a star at St Christopher's High School after becoming the first pupil in more than 15 years to be selected to represent Lancashire at football.
The Year 11 student was invited for trials at QEGS and came through some tough sessions to make the squad of 16.
"It is a tremendous honour to represent the county," said Alex.
"It was announced in the head's speech at school so everyone knows and they are really happy for me."
And the Blackburn Academy player, who has been an Ewood season ticket holder since he was four, will be delighted to be back in his favourite position - up front.
Since the 15-year-old has joined the Rovers Academy, the one-time striker has moved into the centre half slot.
And this is despite a glowing junior football career where he scored 72 goals in a season for Ossy Villa earning him the Hyndburn and District Player of the Year award when he was 13 - a trophy ex-Blackburn and now Birmingham star David Dunn collected in his younger years.
"I prefer to score the goals and play up front but I moved to centre half as Blackburn advised it was in my best interests if I am to get a scholarship," said Alex. "So it is nice to be playing back up front for Lancashire."
Alex, who also played for Ossy Juniors, went to Manchester United's Academy before moving to Blackburn where he will see if he has won that vital scholarship at Christmas.
But first he has his sights set on county success as Lancashire face Greater Manchester at Preston on November 9 as they strive to win their North West group and then hope to go on and become the best county in England.
