POOL ace Anthony Wall has been selected for Lancashire despite being just nine-years-old.

And should the potting protege from Darwen make the team, he will become one of the youngest ever players to represent the county.

The St Barnabas Primary School pupil earned his call-up after impressing in the recent trials in Preston.

He is one of three Darwen youngsters to be selected for the Lancashire Youth squad which is for players up to the age of 18.

Josh Main and Bobby Tait – both aged 15 – have also been selected for the initial 20-man squad.

The three took part in a six-hour trial in Preston where Anthony lost just one of his seven matches.

Grandmother Kath Wall is delighted with his call-up.

“Anthony is a very good little player, he has a real talent,” she said.

He plays at the Paul Hunter Foundation over in Padiham and Great Harwood a couple of nights a week and has also been coached by Mike Caddy as well.”

“We are all thrilled he has been selected for Lancashire.”

The Darwen Pool Association works closely with youngsters in the town and gives them the opportunity to play the sport.

The Association took seven players to the trials with Anthony, Josh and Bobby all making the squad.

But Martin West, vice chairman of the Association, said the real hard work lies ahead.

“There is every chance they won’t make the Lancashire team for another year,” said West.

“They must now have intensive training to ensure they not just know how to play tactically, but also learn how to referee and time keep pool games, respect other players and official and work as a team.

“The Lancashire squad is a strong squad and the training is the first step to actually playing in the team.”

He added: “The Darwen Pool Association wishes these young players every success as they start their development in pool.”