A PROLIFIC young striker is celebrating scoring 87 goals in 26 games – the equivalent of a hat-trick every time he took to the field.

Twelve-year-old James Moore’s achievement is a league record and has attracted the attention of several top clubs.

James, who captains the under- 12s team at Durham Soccarena Lyon, has set his sights on playing for his favourite team – Liverpool – and ultimately Real Madrid or Barcelona.

James, of Rainton Gate, near Durham City, said: “I am really chuffed with the season.

“I want to be a professional footballer, if I can – but if I don’t, I want a career in engineering.

“If Andy Carroll can make it to Liverpool from the North-East, then why can’t I?”

He added: “I really like being a striker, getting goals and people appreciate my playing.”

His proud father, Kelvin, said: “James started kicking a football as soon as he could walk and started playing competitively when he was six.

“Last season, he scored 40 goals in 20 games. This season he has scored 87 of his team’s 120 goals, helping them come second in the league.”

James has attended the Middlesbrough Football Club development centre for the past year-and-a-half and this week had his first session at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

Durham Soccarena Lyon coach Max Stoker said: “James has the personality of a footballer.

“Nothing fazes him. He’s really grown up for his age, and he is very fast on his feet and skilful with the ball.”

Jason Clow, development coach at Middlesbrough, said: “James is a bubbly character and very receptive to advice. He wants to learn and to progress.”

James was last night due to play for his school team – St Leonard’s RC Comprehensive – in a cup final against Framwellgate Moor School.