A YOUNG boy from Kendal has made his footballing debut on the international stage.

Jamie Diego, 14, made his debut for the Albanian National under 16s team last month playing against Croatia - and was given man of the match. 

Talking about his debut, Jamie said: "It's the best feeling there is carrying your country on your shirt. It is a lot of honour and pride. The feeling is surreal."

Jamie's father Niko said: "As a father, I can't be more proud of the little man."

At the age of three Jamie started Little Kickers in Kendal and 'fell in love with the game'. Then Jamie went to Kendal United where he played against teams across the County.

The Westmorland Gazette: Jamie in his Kendal United uniform Jamie in his Kendal United uniform

At the age of six, Jamie got recommended to play for Manchester City where he stayed for three years before moving to Manchester United. 

When he was 13 Jamie got offered a scholarship with Rochdale, 'where he has found his feet and they made him captain', said his dad.

Earlier this year Niko received a message from the Albanian national team asking if he could fly to Albania with Jamie. 

Jamie got picked for the squad of 24 and made his debut against Croatia.

Niko said: "Jamie fell in love with the game at Little Kickers. Since then he’s never looked back. I can’t be more proud of the little man - seeing him turning into a young man from the days kicking at Little Kickers. Never in my wildest dreams, would I have thought my son would play for my country. I am a proud father."

The Westmorland Gazette: Jamie and his team coaches Jamie and his team coaches

Jamie said he loved 'every minute' of the game adding: "I treasured it. I felt confident as you have to be. If you don't believe in yourself you can't expect others to."