A promising footballer who thought his dreams were over has been shortlisted in a nationwide competition, giving youngsters the chance to earn a professional contract.

Sam Deaney, from Waltham Abbey, suffered an exploded appendix when he was younger, putting trials at Tottenham Hotspur on hold and his path to stardom off course.

But Sam will now take part in the first round trials of Samsung’s Win a Pro Contract competition after making it through the first skills testing session.

More than 5,000 players will go through a series of challenging trials, with two winners earning the chance to sign for Swindon Town or Leyton Orient.

“I think I’m back to my best,” Sam said.

“My real dream is to play in the Football League and Win a Pro Contract gives me that opportunity.”

Fellow Waltham Abbey hopeful Drew Thomas, 19, has also been selected for the trials which will be watched by club scouts, as well as Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio and Leyton Orient manager Russell Slade.

Slade said: “Becoming a professional footballer is a demanding process. This competition will be very tough in terms of fitness, as well as skill.

“The players who have made it through to the first-round trials will need to give it their all if they want to go on and live the dream.”

Di Canio added: “The competition offers an amazing prize but it will not be an easy journey for the players who have entered.

“They will have to work very hard to earn a chance at Swindon.”

The winners will be chosen in January.