GOALKEEPING ace Alex Derbyshire has a chance to impress Manchester United - thanks to the power of Bolton Sport. Alex Ferguson's Premiership champions have invited the Bolton youngster to Old Trafford for trials after being alerted to his potential in the BEN's super local sport special last month.

At just 10 years old Alex is displaying huge potential for his club and town team and has already come under the scrutiny of Blackburn Rovers whose Ewood Park academy coaches run the rule over him on a weekly basis. United sent scouts to watch him twice before asking him to show them what he can do at Old Trafford. It would be ironic if the Reds take their interest further as the Hall i'th Wood youngster's talents are being honed by two former Manchester City goalkeepers.

Ron Healey and Andy Dibble put Alex through his paces every week at Healey's specialist goalkeeping school in Sale and Healey enthuses: "Alex is a very talented lad. Very balanced and shows great potential for his age. I am sure other clubs will be interested."

Alex played a key role in the Bolton Under-11 town team's double trophy winning success in the North West Cup and the MEN Cup.

They beat Tameside 1-0 to clinch the Manchester competition but it was the county tournament win which was the most glorious.

The Bolton youngsters faced a strong Crosby team which is recognised as being one of the best teams in the country at the age group.

They defended superbly to survive formidable pressure and went on to win 1-0 with a goal from Adam Chadwick.

United watched him in the match against Tameside and in a game for his league side Hindley Juniors against Bolton Lads Club in which he impressed scouts sufficiently to earn his trial chance. Efforts are being made to keep the Bolton Under-11s together after their phenomenal success this season.

There are no Bolton town teams between the age groups of U-11s and U-15s but moves are underway to avoid the side having to break up, as Alex's dad Josh explained.

"Other towns have teams at Under 12, Under 13s and Under 14s but Bolton doesn't and we are looking for sponsorship to keep the team together," he said.

"They have only entered two cups and have won them both and some of the parents have said it would be a shame to break the team up."

For more information on the Ron Healey goalkeeping school tel 01625 525716 or 09582 84465.