TEENAGE goalkeeper Allan Marsh is the latest big signing by Manchester United.

The European champions this week snapped up the Leigh lad - hoping he will come good for them in the Premiership in the early years of the new Millennium.

And delighted mother Kathleen has even switched allegiance for her footballing son.

"I was a staunch Liverpool fan," she said at her home in Chisworth Close, Leigh. "But now it has to be United."

Former Lowton High student Allan (pictured) began his football under Stan Walker with St Catherine's Cubs, then he switched to Rugby League with Leigh Rangers.

But soccer was always his first love, and, while playing in the Atherton LR juniors he was spotted by Old Trafford scout Tom Critchley and old heroes Nobby Styles and Brian Kidd.

Aged eight United signed him on schoolboy forms - and 10 years later, having gone through the club's School of Excellence, YTS scheme and two years of apprenticeship, he has signed professional.

"It's wonderful news," added Mrs Marsh.

Allan, who played some reserve games for United last season, comes from a sporting family.

His father, also Allan, played for Leigh Athletic over many years, brother Stephen, 21, is now playing with Athletic, and sister Tracy, 16, is a keen gymnast.

But football is the family sport. Allan's uncle, Jim Deakin, played in the Scottish League with Albion Rovers and Berwick Rangers and eight times was capped by Scotland U21s.

Apart from his football, Allan has played at the other Old Trafford - winning as a batsman/bowler for Wigan Schoolboys.

"Old Trafford is his second home," said proud mother Kathleen.

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