LIFELONG Rovers fan and X Factor star Reece Bibby said performing in front of Blackburn boss Gary Bowyer was scarier than singing for music guru Simon Cowell.

The 16-year-old Accrington artist was invited to Rovers’ Brockhall training ground yesterday to perform for his Ewood Park heroes.

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The Hollins Technology College student, who has made it through to the arena stage of the talent show, performed two songs while players ate lunch.

And afterwards, it was the footballers – including Craig Conway and David Dunn –asking Reece for pictures.

The starstruck teenager said: “It was a bit mad. I should be asking them for pictures, they have been my idols all my life. I’ve grown up with Blackburn Rovers and had a season ticket since I was about three years old. So it’s absolutely crazy for Blackburn players to come up to me asking for pictures.

“I was shaking more in there in front of the Rovers players than I was in front of the judges.

“I think Gary Bowyer is more nerve-racking than Simon Cowell.”

And an impressed Bowyer – who let Reece sit in the manager’s office and pick his starting 11 for this weekend’s home game against Wigan Athletic – said he would definitely give the youngster a ‘yes’ vote. He added: “We wish him all the best. With a voice like that he is going to be a close contender. He’s done brilliant.

“I think for somebody who comes out of the community, the whole of Blackburn town has to support him. Someone told me the girl who won last year (Sam Bailey( was a big Leicester fan and they got promoted so hopefully lightning can strike twice.”

Reece’s dad, Jamie, 36, praised the club for its warm welcome and presenting a signed shirt.

He said: “This is the biggest thing he’s ever done as far as we’re concerned.”