How USA defender Cameron Carter Vickers was first spotted in Leigh

But the USA international was handed his first big break playing for Catholic United at Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School in Leigh.

Then Tottenham Hotspur scout Mel Jarvis immediately spotted Carter-Vickers’ potential on the pitch.

And the former Eastwood School pupil was quickly snapped up by the Premier League side.

“Cameron was 11 at the time and I’d been told about him banging in goals so I went to watch,” recalled the Eastwood based Jarvis.

“After one look, I got him straight up to Tottenham.

“He had a trial there and they signed him pretty much straight away too so it was all really quick.

“When he went to Tottenham they saw potential in him as a centre half and converted him.

“It’s brilliant to see how well he’s done.”

Flashback - Cameron Carter-Vickers playing for Catholic United (Image: Catholic United)

Carter-Vickers was born in Southend but qualifies to play for the USA via his American born father Howard Carter, a former NBA basketball player.

The defender now plays his club football for Scottish Premiership champions Celtic and Jarvis is proud to see Carter-Vickers doing so well.

“I haven’t heard from him since he signed for Spurs but it’s brilliant to see him doing well and of course I’ve always kept up to date with his progress,” said Jarvis, 77.

“I’m over the moon for him to be in the World Cup and he’s done really well.

“I just always wished he got to 10 games rather than five for Tottenham because then I would have got a bonus!

But, just for once, Jarvis – who now scouts for West Ham United – will not be wanting Carter-Vickers to succeed on Friday.

“I’ll always be England and that won’t ever change,” said Jarvis.

“But I do hope Cam gets to play in one of the games and continues to do well – just not against us!”

Carter-Vickers, who has 11 international caps, was an unused substitute for USA’s 1-1 draw with Wales on Monday.

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