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Declan scores with footie clubs

20/ 8/2008

IT’S no wonder Declan Hacking is grinning from ear to ear — he can let his feet do the talking instead.

His silky skills on the soccer pitch have resulted in clubs clamouring to sign him up ... and he’s still only six.

Scouts from Manchester United and City have already approached Declan with offers to join their academies.

The pint-sized player, of Hadfield Crescent, Ashton was spotted playing for Stalybridge Celtic in a tournament a fortnight ago.

Declan, a pupil at Rose Hill Primary School, supports Manchester United and has already been dubbed a ‘little Ronaldo’.

Mum Kelly Hacking, 26, said: "He’s always on the patch of grass outside our house practising with a ball. I have to almost literally drag him in when it’s dark.

"I’m really proud of him. He said to me the other night ‘If I make it mum I’ll buy you a new house.’ But I’ve told him it’s just the start of a long, long journey."

Dad Terry Walker, 31, added: "He started playing with AFC Stanley aged just three and he’s just joined Celtic this season. He absolutely loves it.

"He can play anywhere on the pitch at the minute.

"The awareness he has for a little lad is just phenomenal. There’s definitely something about him.

"We’ve got offers from both clubs so it’s up to him. We’ll take him to both and he can make a decision then."