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RISING STAR: Academy star Ben Albutt wants to become a first team regular for Bromsgrove Rovers. Ref: NT05345

ROVERS' first ever academy graduate Ben Albutt is targeting a regular first-team spot next season, as he aims to build on a bright start to his football career.

The 18-year-old forward, who recently signed a 12-month contract with the Greens, was snapped up after impressing while playing for the NEW College Academy side.

The college team are coached by Rovers caretaker manager Duane Darby and play their home games at the Victoria Ground.

As part of the club's link-up with the college, students studying for a National Diploma in Sport are given the opportunity to train and play at Rovers.

Albutt caught the eye and was asked to join the Greens' youth team set up.

After playing a crucial part in their impressive run to the FA Youth Cup first round proper, he was rewarded with his first-team bow as a 74th minute substitute in December's 2-1 defeat at Banbury United.

The former South Bromsgrove High School pupil has now made a total of 14 senior appearances, scoring in his first start against Leamington in the Errea Cup third round.

And after getting a flavour for first-team action, Albutt admitted his initial surprise at being offered a contract.

But now he is hoping to become an integral part of his hometown club's plans.

"For now I want to keep on going as I am and take my chances as they come," he said.

"Then next season maybe I can try and challenge for a regular spot. Only being 18, I can't ask for a lot more.

"It did come to me as a shock but I had no hesitation in signing.

"It is my local team and somewhere I have always wanted to play. Me and my mates always used to go down and watch them."

A key development in Albutt's young career, came when he lined up for Rovers' youth team in the heartbreaking FA Youth Cup first round penalty shoot-out defeat at Shrewsbury Town in November.

Keith Draper's side came with in a whisker of pulling of a giant-killing in front of a big crowd at the Shrews' brand new New Meadow' stadium.

Rovers held their full-time counterparts to a 1-1 draw in normal time, before being edged out 5-3 on the dreaded spot kicks.

But Albutt described the occasion as a proud moment.

"Everyone was really surprised to get there," he said.

"It wasn't the fact that we lost, it was the fact that we got there and had the chance to play somewhere like that.

"But it was gutting for it to end that way.

"There was nerves, it is a once in a lifetime chance and there were quite a few people there."

Now a regular member of Darby's first-team squad, bigger things are surely on the horizon for Rovers' rising star.

And Albutt is quick to praise the support he has received from the senior players.

"The lads are brilliant, I couldn't ask for any more," he added.

"They have welcomed me with open arms, but they tell me when I am doing things wrong.

"In the dressing room in seems really lively and there is a buzz about.

"All of the players are determined and everyone is bonding together."

5:48pm Friday 21st March 2008

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