WESTCLIFF teenager Jacob Cleaver says he would love to turn-out for Southend United one day after attracting interest from professional clubs following a stunning display in a trial game.

The former FitzWimarc pupil scored six goals in a 7-1 win in front of watching scouts in a match at Barnet FC’s training ground on Sunday.

And that has resulted in interest from League One Orient and Scottish Premier League side Dundee United.

The 19-year-old is now waiting to get a date for a trial game with the O’s, and for details about a possible week-long training camp north of the border.

He said: “I started playing when I was eight, and I always knew I wanted to be a professional footballer.

“But I’ve not had the best of luck with it all before last Sunday.

“I played as part of a front three in the first-half, and up front in a 4-4-2 in the second-half.

“And it went well, I got a few goals and most were close-range finishes, and it seems to have caught someone’s eye.”

Cleaver, who plays for Essex Senior League leaders Witham Town, says he supports Liverpool and grew-up hoping to one day emulate their skipper Steven Gerrard.

But Cleaver says now what he would really like is to get the chance to regularly step out onto the turf at Roots Hall.

He said: “I played for Southend United’s youth team until I was 14 and I’ve lived in this area all my life, so I’ve got close connections with the club.

“And with my family and friends living in this area it would be great to one day play for Southend.”

Cleaver played in a trial match for a Get Signed Up team against a Barnet development squad.

* Get Signed Up specalises in scouting young players for professional clubs. For more information visit www.getsigned-up.com, e-mail info@getsigned-up.com or call 01277 849 001.