By Tivy-Side reporter

HIGHLY-PROMISING Cardigan Town teenage striker Liam Doherty has joined Penrhyncoch of the Huws Gray Cymru Alliance.

It is remarkable that the 16-year-old former pupil at Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, who starts a sports management course at Pembrokeshire College next month, is playing in the second tier of Welsh football despite suffering from diabetes.

As the 6ft 1inch pacey front-runner made a big move up the soccer ladder there was praise from one of the most famous figures with diabetes to make the grade, former Tottenham Hotspur and England star Gary Mabbutt.

Having previously been told of the youngster's brave fight to combat the autoimmune disease the 54-year-old patron of the Diabetes UK charity said: "It is heartening to hear of Liam's talent shining through. He is a wonderful example to young people suffering from diabetes and I hope he goes even further."

Liam's skills began showing through at a very young age and he joined the Cardiff City Academy aged ten, but soon afterwards his world turned upside down when diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, hospitalised and forced to give up the game.

Refusing to let the affliction get the better of him he turned out for Penparc village juniors, graduated to Aberystwyth Town Academy and on attaining the age of 16 in January this year signed for Costcutter League champions Cardigan Town, scoring 19 goals in 12 games.

After showing up well in training with Aber's Welsh Premier League squad Penrhyncoch manager Gari Lewis, who was aware of the youngster's ability at the Academy, moved to sign him and was given permission to do so by Aber manager Mathew Bishop.

After Liam netted twice during a 45 minutes spell in a pre-season game against Knighton Town the Penrhyn boss said: "Liam is only 16 but he is very much a man in football terms and could prove a real talent."