LITTLE Joe Hughes is a product of his genes.

At the age of four he was diagnosed as having cystic fibrosis - a genetic disease that can stunt growth, leave sufferers gasping for air and put an end to any thoughts of success on the sports field.

But his genes have also given him a gift that was passed on from his grandfather, an outside right winger for Newcastle United 40 years ago.

Last season nine-year-old goal machine Joe bagged 60 goals in his youth team's romp to a record-breaking term - a feat that defies medical opinion.

Cystic fibrosis clogs the lungs with mucus, leading to a crippling shortness in breath that experts claim curtails almost all physical exertion.

But the only signs of exhaustion on the pitch so far belong to bewildered defenders left trailing as the natural finisher nets goal after goal.

As his proud mum, Joy Hughes, of Meadow Drive, Chester-le-Street, explains: "He got 60 goals last season and he's probably going to beat that this season. His hero is Alan Shearer and he's very much in that mould - an old-fashioned centre forward.

"Despite his CF, the other players and coaches don't give him any special treatment. If he misses a chance or plays badly they'll have a go at him."

The Cestria Primary School youngster plays for the City of Durham Bees under-10 team - the Manchester United of the Russell Foster League.

They've suffered just one defeat in two years, won last year's division by 16 points and regularly run up cricket scores against petrified opposition.

But despite Joe's crucial part in a brilliant team, his parents know he won't be able to emulate his black and white heroes at St James' Park.

Like most parents with precocious football talent on their hands, they try to bring him down to earth - school work should be done and other less glamorous careers should be considered.

Joy said: "I don't think a professional club would ever take him on. He could be ill at any moment.

"He doesn't listen when we tell him he can't be a footballer, although it breaks our heart to tell him this. You can't stop someone who is so determined."

Joe's CF means his life, on and off the pitch, is different from his team-mates. At half time he has salt tablets instead of oranges, while at home he has physiotherapy twice a day and regular doses of antibiotics.

Granddad and touchline supporter Gordon Hughes played for the Magpies between 1956 and 1963. He said Joe doesn't let his condition affect his enjoyment of football.

He said: "He is exceptional. He is a strong little lad and good with either feet from in or outside the box.

"Joe is a smashing lad who never lets cystic fibrosis get the better of him."