A BARRY Comprehen-sive School pupil looks set to follow in the footsteps of soccer stars Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale, after signing a professional contract with Southampton FC.

Sixteen-year-old Kayne McLaggon's deal will keep him at St Mary's until 2009.

This is the young striker's first professional contract.

Kayne signed the three-year contract after regularly featuring in Southampton's Under-18 and Under-16 sides. He is also a familiar face in Wales' Under-16 and Under-17 squads.

He said: "I am delighted to sign. I've always wanted to be at Southampton, and to be here is an amazing feeling.

"I feel I've been progressing well, moving into the Aca-demy's Under-18's and representing Wales. I am focused on moving forward," he added. I've put in a lot of hard work and had good people around me in the academy and for Wales, like Brian Flynn."

Kayne has his sights set on a career to match the likes of Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and Alan Shearer - who all made their names at Southampton's Academy.

He is currently living with his family in Tynewydd Road, and travels to Southampton on weekends.

He will move to the city permanently in the summer when the school year finishes.

Kayne says he is looking forward to completing the Academy season at St Mary's, and playing for Wales in the UEFA European Under 17s Championship in Turkey next month.

"We have friendlies coming up in February against Den-mark, which we are looking to win to boost our confidence before we head off to Turkey," he said.

"The European Champion-ship will be a great experience. It won't be easy but hope-fully we can get the ball down and play some good football!"

Kayne's headteacher, David Swallow, said: "I am delighted for him. He is a tremendous asset to the school. He has been really successful to join such a good club and I think he has a healthy future in the sport."