EYEBROWS are being raised in local football circles by the meteoric rise of a Cardigan schoolboy who will today train with Welsh Premier League club Aberystwyth Town firsts and is expected to be offered a contract less than a week after his 16th birthday.

The emergence of Liam Doherty as a future star is even more remarkable in view of the striker suffering from type 1 diabetes since the age of four.

Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi pupil Liam was a member of the Cardiff City Academy before diabetes forced him to give up but he showed great tenacity in fighting back – after playing for Penparc village juniors he joined Aberystwyth Academy at the start of this season and has not looked back.

The 6ft 1inch striker, who has great pace, is comfortable on the ball and deadly in the penalty area, turned in some outstanding performances for the Under 16 side, scoring seven goals in eight games.

His progress during the season has been such that it is understood the club want him under contract especially if as is possible bigger clubs show interest.

Liam’s father is Cardigan Town manager Seamus Doherty who led the Magpies to unprecedented success last season when capturing five trophies.

Doherty senior was keen to have his son in the squad after he qualified for senior football at the age of 16 on Wednesday but has accepted that the youngster is destined for bigger things.

“It would strengthen our side enormously if we had Liam, but it looks like he could play at a far higher level and hopefully it will come about,” he said.

One of the best known figures to have played football with diabetes is former Tottenham Hotspur star Gary Mabbut who won 15 caps for England.

He became an icon for many children with the condition and is currently an ambassador for Tottenham, the English Football Association and the Prince’s Trust.

The 54-year-old former defender cum midfielder is also Patron of Diabetes UK and a spokesperson for him said “Gary is delighted for Liam and hopes he makes it right to the top of the tree. He is showing a great example to other children with diabetes.”