UP until a week ago, striker Chris I'Anson had all but given up hope of becoming a professional.

But, after a week of Roy of the Rovers-style tales, the Hartlepool teenager is on the verge of realising that dreams can come true.

After impressing for Albany Northern League Division One outfit Horden, I'Anson has been the subject of intense interest from a number of top clubs.

Both Middlesbrough and Sunderland are known to have watched the 19-year-old since the start of the campaign.

But Premiership side Birmingham City stole a march on the rest by taking the non-league ace on a week's trial, which came to an end yesterday.

Now I'Anson is back home for a week before returning to Birmingham for a further month, starting on September 22.

And the powerful striker has already made a few friends at St. Andrew's - including former Boro target David Dunn and controversial Welsh midfielder Robbie Savage.

"It has been absolutely unbelievable," I'Anson admitted last night. "The week has just flown by and I can't remember all of it because it has just been incredible what has happened to me.

"A couple of the lads at Horden, Steve Tierney and Anthony Jewson, had been telling me there was interest from Birmingham and I just thought it was a stupid rumour.

"But then I got a phone call from Birmingham. I got my digs sorted on Monday and I then started to get involved on Tuesday.

"It's been a great week and I still can't believe it. In training today I was training with the first team and David Dunn, Robbie Savage and Christophe Dugarry had a bit of banter with me."

After leaving Henry Smiths School the former Sunderland schoolboy turned his attentions away from football to concentrate on a career.

But following his 17th birthday, I'Anson opted for a return to the game with Hartlepool Sunday League side Staincliffe Hotel before transferring to Lion Hillcarter - who have made a name for themselves in the FA All-England Sunday Cup.

He was then taken to Horden, where his reputation has grown and grown.

I'Anson said: "Dunn and Savage came over to me and asked me what my background was and what clubs I played for.

"I told them and I said 'somehow I don't think you'll have heard of them'. But they were top blokes and it was just an experience that I will never forget.

"Steve Bruce has told me he likes what he has seen, so we'll see what happens when I go back."

The talented front-man has been given time off by his employers, Spring Health in Hartlepool.

If he earns a contract with Bruce's men then he will follow in the footsteps of a number of other stars to come late into the game.

Boro forward Malcolm Christie was a shelf-stacker, while ex-Sunderland hot-shot Kevin Phillips and former Newcastle forward Les Ferdinand both played non-league football for Baldock Town and Hayes respectively.

Horden chairman Norman Stephens, who hopes to have the player available for the trip to Penrith this afternoon, is convinced I'Anson can make it.

Stephens said: "Chrissy has started the season on fire. He has scored wonder-goal after wonder-goal and he has already scored seven.

"He is 19 but his physique is unbelievable. He has the skills and with top-flight coaching he can make it. I wish him well."