THREE celebrity namesakes have scored a hit in the local football world - by sharing their names with musical superstars.

Robbie Williams, Barry White and David Gray are worlds apart from their popstar counterparts, although they are well-known locally for their talents on the pitch.

Robbie Williams, has already had a feel for the limelight when playing in front of large crowds for Accrington Stanley.

Centre half Robbie, 22, admits to liking the attention that being a footballer brings.

Robbie isn't a huge fan of the pop star with whom he shares his name, but has similar traits to his famous counterpart.

Robbie, of Longborough Road, Knowsley Village, Liverpool, said: "I think I have a similar personality to Robbie because I like a laugh and a joke and I don't take life too seriously.

"I don't look like Robbie, but I wish I did so that I could attract some of the women that he pulls. I like Robbie's style and he seems to have a lot of fun in his work.

"I would love to be a professional footballer, I think that is every lads dream and I would be delighted if I ever got the chance to play at Anfield - it would make me so proud."

Friends of David Gray, of Gladstone Street, Bacup, liken his looks to the man famous for playing his acoustic guitar.

David, 21, plays centre forward for Rossendale United. He said: "I do get told by people that I look like the singer but I don't think I look anything like him. "We really are worlds apart though because I can't sing at all and I can't play any musical instrument, so we don't really have a lot in common.

"When David Gray became famous the lads at football would take the mick out and sing the Babylon song, but people have got used to it now.

"A lot of people do not even know who David Gray is, which I think is a great shame because he is a fantastic musical artist and should get more recognition - perhaps then I could start up my own business and be a David Gray look-a-like!"

Although Barry White midfielder is the total opposite to the walrus of love. Barry managed to raise a few eyebrows when he first went to Ramsbottom nearly a year ago.

But he says he is now used to the wise cracks because he gets them all the time.

Barry, 21, of Erskine Road, in Blackley, said: "When I first came to Ramsbottom, the manager was reading out all of our names on the register and when it came to mine everybody burst out laughing - it is a good ice breaker being named after someone famous, because after that I settled in well.

"It is worse at work because I work at Tesco's supermarket and when my name is shouted on the tannoy I can hear everybody giggling, you would think work mates would get used to it but they still find it funny and customers find it hilarious.

"It can work in your favour having a famous name because if you book tickets or a table at a restaurant people are always inquisitive, but as soon as they see me there is no mistaking the two of us - we couldn't be more different."