MIDDLESBROUGH goalkeeper took off his gloves and picked up a book in an attempt to encourage youngsters to start reading.
Ross Turnbull is one of 20 professional players to take part in the Premier League Reading Stars (PLRS) project.
The keeper has chosen Blessed by George Best as his favourite book and he joined the reading group at Middlesbrough Library to discuss it.
He said: "I enjoy sporting autobiographies as well as sport psychology books. George Bests Blesses was an excellent read."
Other books chosen by players across the country include Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, James and the Giant Peach and Homers Illiad.
Copies of all 20 books will be available in libraries involved in the project as well as kit bags filled with football and reading items for members of the reading groups.
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