RHYCE Ramsden wants to become a major star in amputee football after establishing himself in the England team at just 16 years old.

The midfielder has made a remarkable start to his career, helping his country to the final of the Amputee European Championships in October, just six months after getting involved in the sport.

The Wanderers fan got a taste of the big time when he played in front of 40,000 people in the final.

And despite suffering the heartbreak of losing to a late winning goal he looks back on the experience with pride and a determination to build on it.

"I want to be the best player in amputee football," said the Tonge Moor teenager.

"The fact I've made it into the senior team at 16 years of age is truly remarkable and gives me great confidence in my abilities."

Reflecting on the European Championships where England lost 2-1 to host nation Turkey in the final, he said: "The whole atmosphere in the stadium was utterly breathtaking.

"The fact I had the chance to play in front of that many supporters is fantastic.

“The stadium held more supporters than my favourite team Bolton Wanderers, and that in itself was an accomplishment.

“It was a surreal moment because six months ago I didn't even know what amputee football was.

"Within this short period I've established my position in the team and it feels amazing."

His memorable experience continued when he returned to Bolton St Catherine’s Academy after the tournament.

“The day I got back in school I was treated like a celebrity,” he said.

"It was really funny because teachers were asking for photos, which was a surprise.

"All my friends in school were very proud of what I'd achieved and everyone couldn't praise me enough. I was very grateful for that.”

Ramsden was launched on his career by Owen Coyle Jnr, the son of former Bolton Wanderers player and manager Owen Coyle.

Coyle Jnr, the England Amputees manager, visited St Catherine’s and offered the teenager the opportunity to attend a scouting weekend in Crewe.

Impressed by his speed, the watching coaches offered him a place in the England Junior Amputees team.

He was then recruited by Manchester City Amputees, for whom he now plays as well as training with Everton’s amputee side.

Ramsden, who had never even walked with crutches before he started using them to play football, got his call-up for the England senior team's squad for the European Championships after again impressing at a training camp for the national junior squad in Poland.

He was part of the side that stormed through the Euros to reach the final before suffering the heartbreak of losing to a Turkey goal in the dying minutes.