YOUNG Tividale goalkeeper Niall Maher has signed for Sky Bet League 2 outfit Morecambe.

Maher has been on trial with The Shrimps over the past fortnight and has been signed by the Lancashire Club on initial scholarship forms.

The 15 year old has been working under Tividale Goalkeeping Coach, Chris Walwyn, for the past four seasons and ‘Billy’ has had a major influence on the ‘keeper’s progress.

Maher, who will turn 16 in May, has trained with Tividale’s first team goalkeeping department throughout his development, working alongside the likes of Charlie Price, Paul Evans, Tim Beech and former No.2, Jack Hayfield.

And Walwyn believes the attitude Maher has shown is the main reason for his success at such an early age.

He said “Niall is a top kid and a very good, natural goalkeeper. He’s very mature for his age and he needs to stay focused.

“It’s great to see that a Football League Club has recognised his potential. His attitude has been first class and I wish him all the best on his scholarship with Morecambe.

“I’m sure Niall will recognise and appreciate that the hard work starts here and, if he does, he’ll have a great chance of making it through to the professional game at first team level in a few years time.

“From both mine and Tividale Football Club’s perspective, this is a proud moment. It gives young goalkeepers in the local community belief that they can get recognised and I’d like another Niall to come through the ranks, sooner rather than later.”