A SOCCER starlet will swap boots for drumsticks when he appears at Clitheroe Grand Theatre on Saturday.

Preston North End star Adam Barton, 19, who lives in Clitheroe, spends his time off the pitch as a drummer with cover band Artic Monkees.

This weekend, the midfielder’s band will support main act, From The Jam, led by original Jam member Bruce Foxton, in front of a sell-out at the 400-capacity venue.

Adam spent his first few years in Tenby Close, Blackburn, before moving to Clitheroe, attending St Michael and St John’s Primary School and St Augustine’s High School, Billington.

He was spotted playing for Clitheroe Wolves and signed up by Blackburn Rovers, but when they let him go at age 16 because of a back injury, PNE snapped him up on a scholarship the same day.

Adam’s dad Peter Barton, who is the frontman and manager of reformed Animals, said his son will be rushed straight from Preston’s game at Coventry and walk out on stage the same evening.

He said: “Adam is very dedicated to everything he does.

"His first love is football, his second love is music.

"He’s never been pushed in either direction. I have a recording studio and he would just go in and mess around.

“His first taste of performing was at Darwen Live with me a couple of years ago.

"Since then he’s formed a band and now he’s a phenomenal drummer – better than me!”

Adam, who signed a two-and-a-half year contract with Preston last year, has recently been called up to the Northern Ireland U21 squad, but away from football he counts his heroes as The Jam and Paul McCartney.

Mr Barton added: “A lot of musicians are not into their football, but because Adam plays I go to as many games as I can when I’m not gigging.

“He’s always wanted to be a footballer and he really loves it at Preston, they’re a great set of lads.”

Adam said: “Because my dad is in the music business, I just started messing around and he gave me a few tips. I played along to Beatles albums and got the hang of it.

“With training, we only manage to practise once or twice a week.

“I’ll be less nervous up on stage than out on the pitch, maybe because I feel more confident.

"I’ve never been nervous playing the drums!”