An internet plea has led to a Southend teenager jetting out to the Caribbean to keep goal for Trinidad and Tobago's under-17 international youth team.
Andre Foster, 16, has just started studying for his A-levels at Westcliff's St Thomas More RC High School for Boys in Kenilworth Gardens.
But the 6ft 4ins tall giant is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Trinidad and Tobago megastars such as Blackburn Rovers' Dwight Yorke and Birmingham City's Stern John by building a career in football.
And his PE teacher, Simon Nicks, explained just how his pupil got a surprise international call up from the other side of the world.
"Andre made it all happen for himself to be honest," explained Simon.
"His family are from Trinidad and Tobago and he offered his services as a goalkeeper to their football federation via the internet.
"They then sent a scout over to watch Andre in action and they liked what they saw and gave him an international call up."
Andre, who plays in goal for his school and is also on the books of Essex Senior League side Burnham Ramblers, has been playing in a series of games against Barbados and is due back in England next month.
Published Tuesday October 22, 2002
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