Q Radio Sport
Rising star with Dungannon Swifts Michael Forbes has secured a dream move to Premier League West Ham.
The Northern Ireland youth international who plays in sports specs celebrates his 16th birthday today.
The defender or midfielder has played for Dungannon United Youth and the Swifts for three seasons.
Now he can't wait to kick on across the water and is due to link up with The Hammers in June.
Michael said: “I am really excited to have been given this amazing opportunity by West Ham United FC. It means a lot to me. It is going to be a big change but I can’t wait to get started.
"Since I joined Dungannon in August 2017, the coaches and managers have helped me grow as a player. I want to thank everyone at Dungannon for helping me get this far.”
Head of Youth Development with the Swifts, Dixie Robinson, has told the club website Michael has the world at his feet.
Dixie said: "From his first trial at West Ham United Michael impressed the coaches. They moved very quickly to get him over again and from day one I knew they liked what they saw.
"I had a few conversations with Del Ebanks who was very complimentary with everything Michael did, both on and off the field. Things have moved along very smoothly since then with negotiations between the two clubs being straightforward. Michael has had his medical and he will hopefully move across to West Ham in June.
"A very talented player Michael can play in the heart of the defence or in central midfield and at over 6 feet tall he is an exceptionally good athlete with a great game understanding. His progress has been helped under the guidance of Ciaran O’Kane, Glenn McMenemy, Terry Fitzpatrick, Chris McCann and Stevie O'Hare. I would like to wish Michael every success on behalf of all our coaches and teammates and I have no doubt he will have a fantastic career in the game."