TROWBRIDGE teenager Harry Rutty was left with the choice between two city rivals but is hoping he’s put himself on the path to carving out a career as a professional footballer after joining Bristol City’s academy.

The John of Gaunt School pupil, who turns 15 on Monday, signed on with City’s youth set-up at the end of October, ironically just a few weeks after impressing against them while on trial with Bristol Rovers.

Rutty has played for Trowbridge Rangers and Holt’s youth teams, as well as spending 18 months training with Southampton’s satellite academy in Bath and has also turned out for the BaNES (Bath and North East Somerset) U15 side in the Junior Premier League.

After being invited for his first trial at this summer’s Castle Combe tournament, the young defender, who can also play in midfield, said: “I’m really proud but I know that I’ve got to try and be the best player there if I want to make it as a pro footballer.

“It was weird being asked by Bristol City to come along for a trial after I’d been playing against them for Rovers but I thought that they’re in a better league, so that would be better for me.

“It’s feel really proud. I’ve sacrificed a few things, like bits of my social life, to make it happen and now I just want to do well.”

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