FLINTSHIRE'S latest footballing sensation Ryan Shawcross is fulfilling his boyhood dream by playing for Manchester United. The 19-year-old from Buckley - rated as the best prospect to emerge from our county since Michael Owen - has made two appearances in the Premiership giants' first team. His debut came two weeks ago when he stepped off the bench in United's Carling Cup third-round victory at Crewe. He followed that with a brief appearance in Tuesday's shock forth-round defeat at Southend. Now Shawcross wants to cement his place in manager Sir Alex Ferguson's plans, with his ultimate ambition being to one day captain the Red Devils. 'It was a proud moment making my debut - a dream come true as I've supported Man United all my life,' Shawcross told the Chronicle. 'It feels brilliant every time I put on that red shirt but that was the highlight of my career so far - something for me to treasure for the rest of my life.' Defender Shawcross was signed by United at the age of nine after being spotted when he was playing for Buckley by a Flintshire scout. He successfully negotiated the Academy ranks and last season played a part in the reserves winning the FA Premier Reserve League. Little wonder, then, he feels fully at home at Old Trafford. 'It's like another family to me,' said the former Elfed High School student. 'I've grown up with lots of my team-mates in the reserves and the whole set-up here is brilliant. The training facilities we have at Carrington must be among the best in the world. 'We have really good coaches too. From an early age I've been taught how to play and pass the ball out of defence, rather than whacking it out of the stadium. I can only continue to learn and improve as a player here. 'Rio Ferdinand is an obvious role model for me. I also admire John Terry. If my career is a quarter as successful as theirs then I'd be happy.' But the man Shawcross holds above anyone else is legendary boss Ferguson. 'When my contract was being renewed he told me my career was progressing nicely but to stay focused and keep working on my game,' said the centre-back. 'He said if I played well then I'd get my chance.' Shawcross has been linked with a loan move to Championship outfit Barnsley, while United often send their starlets to Belgian club Royal Antwerp for experience. 'If it happens I'll be looking to get as many matches as possible under my belt with a view to coming back and breaking into the first-team squad on a regular basis,' said Shawcross. 'I'd really love to captain United one day.' Shawcross has international ambitions too - but not with Wales. Although he has played for their schoolboys team, he will never appear internationally. 'There's not a drop of Welsh blood in me,' he said. 'So I can only play for England.' | 
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