NORWEGIAN football fanatic Patrick Rowland is hoping his dream of playing for his beloved Newcastle United might just come true.

The 15-year-old Magpies fan, who first began supporting Newcastle when he was three-years-old, is keeping his fingers crossed after taking part in a trial for the North-East side yesterday.

The under-16s trial, at Newcastle's training ground in Maiden Castle, Durham, saw more than 30 young hopefuls show their skills for club coaches and scouts.

Patrick has been staying with his grandmother Margaret Keelan, in Darlington, along with his 12-year-old sister Emma, his Norwegian mother Linge, and Darlington-born father Chris.

The talented youngster, from Kragero, Norway, has followed in the footsteps of his father, a keen Newcastle United fan.

His bedroom is a shrine to the Premiership side, and recently he visited St James' Park to see the stadium.

Mrs Keelan said: "He is just Newcastle mad, a real fanatic. All he's ever wanted to do is play for Newcastle. He loves the city. He loves visiting us so that he can go and visit Newcastle.

"When he visited St James' Park he dropped to his knees and kissed the turf. It would be a dream come true if he makes it through the trial."

Patrick now faces an anxious few days as he waits to find out if his performance was good enough to be called back.