SNOOKER-FAN Ryan Leonard will be going loopy if the Shrimpers can win at Wembley tomorrow.

The energetic midfielder is desperate to triumph against the Chairboys.

And he was thrilled to warm up for the clash by meeting World Snooker Champion Stuart Bingham.

“It was really nice for me to come down and meet Stuart,” said Leonard.

“I’m more of a snooker fan than a player and you could probably see that by how the frame we played panned out but it was great to meet Stuart.

“He was brilliant and a real top man.”

Leonard swapped tips with Bingham ahead of Blues’ clash with Wycombe.

And, with the snooker star heading to Wembley to watch the Shrimpers, the midfielder could well unveil another cue-style celebration should he hit the back of the net against Wycombe.

“I live with Will Atkinson and Barry Corr and all three of us watched the snooker together and were supporting Stuart because we knew he was from Basildon,” said Leonard.

“We all wanted him to win and when we saw he was coming to the Stevenage game at Roots Hall we said whoever managed to score should do a celebration for him so that’s how it all panned out.

“I’m sure we will sort something out for Wembley but as long as we win the game I don’t care who scores or what we do if I’m honest.”

Echo:

Ryan Leonard in action against Stuart Bingham at Rayleigh Lanes Snooker & Social Club

Leonard is particularly keen to feature against Wycombe having been left out of the squad for the Shrimpers’ Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final with Crewe Alexandra back in April 2013.

But he believes Wycombe will be difficult opponents.

“We know it’s going to be hard to win because Wycombe beat us at their place before we draw at Roots Hall when we should really have won,” said Leonard.

“It will be tough but hopefully we can edge it and put in a good performance.

WHAT HAPPENED WHEN BLUES STAR LEONARD TOOK ON WORLD CHAMP STU AT HIS OWN GAME?

JUST weeks after winning his world title following victories against the sport’s top stars, Bingham broke off for the fun-filled frame with Blues star Leonard.

Bingham’s precision and power was instantly eye catching up close but Leonard managed a fantastic early double on the blue to show what he might be capable of.

Echo:

World champion - Stuart Bingham

After that however, Bingham, as expected, began to take centre stage with a stunning array of shots but the conversation was as entertaining as the encounter with the duo swapping intriguing advice on their preparations and how to deal with the pressure.

Bingham turned on the style late on to make sure of the win but both players seemed to enjoy the clash before Leonard suggested he got his own back by having their next clash on a football pitch!