MATTIE Pollock has set himself a lofty target.

The 17-year-old, brought up on Teesside and son of former Boro star Jamie, has just signed his first professional contract at Grimsby Town, putting pen to paper on a two-and-a-half year deal.

"My ultimate ambition is to be the best central defender in the world and play at the highest level I can," he said.

As ambitions go, that's a big one, but for now he is more than happy to concentrate on trying to break into the League Two side's first team.

Pollock came to Grimsby's notice when he played for his dad's Polton Allstars side in a friendly against the Mariners' academy.

"Neil Woods (academy coach) watched me play for Polton against Grimsby and asked me back to play for Grimsby under 18s," he says. "After a few games I was offered my scholarship contract with the club."

A former Nunthorpe Academy student, he played for his hometown club before moving to Leeds United where he played up to Under-15 level.

Head of Year at Nunthorpe, Danny Yates, said he was not surprised that Pollock was making a success of football.

"I noted on the Grimsby website that the academy manager praised Mattie’s attitude ‘both on and off the pitch’ – and this certainly resonates with me. During his time at Nunthorpe, Mattie always demonstrated a positive attitude, acted in a mature and courteous way and was a pleasure to be around. Mattie’s footballing ability was obvious from the moment he walked in through our doors and it fills me with a real sense of pride to see him doing so well."

Pollock's family are equally proud, but despite his father's illustrious career, the youngster said he does not feel any added pressure on his shoulders.

"It wasn't inevitable I would follow in my dad's footsteps," he said. "But my mum and dad have always been very supportive and guided me as best they could. They have always let me make my own decisions in terms of what I do in football. Football has been my dream since I started playing and I wanted to try and make a career out of it for myself.

"The biggest help I have had along the way has been my family with my dad's advice, my grandad's commitment to helping me get to all the games when dad was busy and my mum's continuous support - all this has helped me massively."

Pollock didn't start out as a defender, but has quickly adapted to the position.

"I was a central midfielder from a young age up until Under 15s when I started to play at the back," he said. "I really enjoyed this position with my height and physicality and I have remained there since.

"I am a big lad so I like to be competitive and I like a challenge, but I also like to play football. Having so many years in midfield I like to have a range of passes and be able to keep the ball.

"I work on everything and keep trying to improve constantly. I don't want to settle for anything and know I need to keep focused and keep pushing to be the best I can."

Pollock has paid tribute to Woods' part in his development.

"Neil Woods has been a massive help to me since joining the academy and I can not thank him and all the staff enough," he said. "Everyone has helped me massively, the fitness coach comes in early to do extra sessions each morning with me, for example.

"I will never forget the help they have given me and work they have put in."

Woods says Pollock is first in and last to leave and is eager to do extra sessions whenever possible.

"I come in early as I want to be the best player I can be and I want to break into the first team and push on, so coming in early and doing extra is massive for me," he says. "I want to be the best player I can, the extra sessions help me to learn and improve different aspects of my game.

"My attitude is simple – I want to be the best and I hate losing, I think it is important to keep improving and never settle for anything less."

Pollock was named on the bench against Notts County and Port Vale in December, making his first team debut in the 2-1 win over Exeter City.

"Making my debut was an unbelievable moment for me and my family – it was a different level," he says.

"I loved every minute of it and I think my performances have stayed the same. I said previously I want to be the best I can so if this is in the first team, reserves or under 18s I will give my all in every game. There will be no difference in attitude."

Pollock has followed the likes of Harry Clifton and Max Wright into the Grimsby Team and believes it is important youth is given a chance to shine.

"I think it is massive for the club as it gives the younger players a belief and extra motivation that at Grimsby there is a pathway forward," he says. "We know that with the help of the coaching staff we can move from the academy into a first team position.

"I love this club and want to play and help the team as much as I can. It was a dream come true to finally sign my contract and will be a day I never forget."