RAMSBOTTOM United are giving trials to South African professionals Alfred Mocheke and Gareth Ormes.

The North West Counties First Division side are waiting for international clearance before they can watch the pair in action.

Mocheke, 21, is a centre half and Ormes, 19, can play at full back or in midfield. They were both until recently signed to Rentmeester in Immesdale, Pretoria.

The pair were recommended to the Rams by Manchester City, who were offered the players but said they would be better plying their trade in non-League football before moving to a professional club.

Club secretary John Maher said: "Jimmy Fox, a scout at City, rang me to say City had been offered these two players.

"But he said professional clubs don't tend to take players on at that age without seeing them in non-League football first.

"I said we were definitely interested because I think you should have an open door policy to any players."

The pair are living in Moston with the cousin of Ormes, who has a British passport.

Manager Mike Kelly said: "Once we have got international clearance I want to see them in a game.

"But it could be difficult to find a game they can play in when we're not playing."

Maher added: "We have no idea how good they are. They have had a kick-about with our players and they look to have a good touch but you can get world-record-breaking ball jugglers who have no idea how to play football."

Rentmeester paid for the two players to travel to England to try their luck with an English club.

It is thought that the two players were the club's most promising and, having been there since a young age, the club were happy to help them try to make it to the big time here.

Maher said he was unsure how long the international clearance process would take.

"The FA have to get in touch with the South African FA to make sure these players don't have any suspensions hanging over them in South Africa.

"With technology the way it is these days it shouldn't take long and then we can see them in a game."