A YOUNG footballer from Colne has set her sights on following in the footsteps of her namesake and playing for England.

Caitlin Gerrard, whose hero is Liverpool ace Steven Gerrard, has made a promising start to achieving her goal by teaming up with the England Girls Under 15s squad.

The St John Fisher and Thomas Moore Roman Catholic High School pupil earned her place on a training camp with the group in Portugal.

During the five-day trip they were under the guidance of England's veteran attacking midfielder Rachel Yankey and Burnley-born former Everton goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finns, who announced her retirement from all football in January after an 18-year international career.

Caitlin, who was selected for the training camp after taking part in three separate trials all over the country, said: "We went out there for some warm weather training and played two friendlies there against Benfica and another Portuguese side, and we won both of them, without conceding.

"I play in central midfield and set a few of the goals up."

Caitlin, who is the only girl in her age group's school boys team, added that it was beneficial to receive coaching from England internationals.

"It was a good experience.

Caitlin now has her sights set on being involved with the Under 15s in next week's Under 15s Girls Bob Docherty Trophy, which is an English Schools' Football Association tournament between the home nations, which this year will place in Scotland.

Beyond that, the 14-year-old dreams of becoming a full-time professional footballer, and work through the England age groups to become a senior international.

"I'd love to play for England," she said.

The Year 9 pupil is prepared to make the sacrifices that it will take to reach the top, having already made a big one in terms of her allegiance.

For the Burnley fan is on the books of Blackburn Rovers Ladies.

"I do get some stick, but it is a better standard of football and better for my development," said Caitlin, who has been to America with Blackburn to play in the Dallas Cup and has previously played in Barcelona.

Caitlin's favourite Burnley player is Danny Ings but her favourite England player is namesake Gerrard.

"He's no relation, that I know of," she said.