SWINDON teenager Connor Thompson starred as the English Schools’ Under 18s side beat Loughborough University 3-0.

The teenager, who attends Cirencester College Football Academy, was selected for the squad following trials at the end of last year.

He explained: “It was our first game as a team and I started in right-midfield.

“I felt I was doing really well and set up two goals in the first half.

“In the second half I went to more of a right-wing position but took a knock and had to struggle off, but it was nothing serious.”

The game was part of a training weekend at Lilleshall at the weekend.

The final preparations for the international season will be completed in Malaga, where the opposition will be provided by the Academy of Malaga CF, one of Spain’s top youth teams.

Thompson is due to play in the Centenary Shield competition in March and April, a tournament featuring England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and the games against Scotland and the Republic of Ireland will both be shown Sky Sports.

“I cannot wait for that and playing on Sky will be quality,” added Thompson.

The youngster played for Swindon Town from when he was six to 16, including at the Milk Cup, before he was released after not being offered a scholarship.

In addition to being part of the English Schools Under 18s squad, Thompson was also selected for the English Schools’ Under 19s squad in November.

Thompson also played for the English Colleges Under 19s side on Monday, against a strong Welsh Schools outfit. The midfielder was on the field for just over an hour in the 2-0 win.