AMATEUR footballer Chris Scott is shooting for the stars after a thrilling year for the Clitheroe crooner.

Fresh from supporting Liverpool legends The Farm at Blackburn King George’s Hall, Chris will celebrate the release of his new EP with a special Christmas show with his band at Clitheroe’s Grand theatre next Saturday His agent and band member Jamie Turner, who discovered his stage talent after hearing him sing an Oasis song at a karaoke party, said: “Chris is the Ribble Valley’s Robbie Williams – he can go all the way to the top.’”

Since that Blackburn gig, the 21-year-old – a striker for Hurst Green Football Club in the West Lancashire League – has been earning rave reviews on the North West circuit for his popular singing style, compared to Michael Buble and Williams.

“I was banging out Wonderwall and Jamie was in the crowd, the next thing I knew he wanted me to be the singer for the band and my career began there,” said Chris.

“I’ve got a bit of a rough and ready Northern charm I suppose. I love football and music, and I don’t like to take myself too seriously.

“But I come alive on stage and that’s where I feel at home.

“I can’t believe how it has developed, though. We did our first gig at the Rhubarb Bar in Blackburn in front of a dozen people.

“We only had four songs then, so to be up on stage with The Farm was incredible – I’ve just got a feeling that 2013 could be our year.

“I’ve always loved singing since I was a little kid. It would be incredible to sing professionally, that’s what I want to do.”

Backed by a talented nine-piece band, several of them old school pals, Chris hopes the release of his new songs can bring him further musical recognition.

“There’s a real mix in our sound: a bit of rock, some big beats and a few soul bass-lines. It has taken us three or four years to hone that sound down, and we are a bit more poppy now and I think we are all comfortable with that. Thousands of bands out there trying to make it, but there’s a real buzz about our music.

“We’ve known each other for years and we’ve a really good chemistry.

“You can see that when we are on stage and we want to make the Clitheroe gig one of our best yet.”

Chris, who went to St Augustine’s School along with three other band members, added: “It is always special to play in front of a home crowd.

n Chris Scott and guests. The Grand, Saturday, December 22. Details from 01200 421599.