A THURNSCOE lad is tipped to be a top cricketer - or footballer.

Daniel Ravenscroft, 11, captain of Thurnscoe Institute Cricket Club’s U13s team, wants to play cricket for Yorkshire and football for Barnsley, but in the meantime he has been selected to play for Barnsley Reps U11s in the Barnsley Junior League and Lord Taverners.

“We take the best in the Barnsley area for Lord Taverners and believe me, this lad has an amazing ability,” said coach John Cresswell.

“He’s a natural, so talented it’s unreal. He’s at least 12 months ahead of kids his age and will be opening the bowling for Thurnscoe’s U13s. He can throw a cricket ball at 35mph which is very good for an 11-year-old.”

Daniel also plays in the U15s and his selection came as no surprise. He has also been nominated for Pathways to Excellence for Yorkshire trials.

“I was expecting to be chosen and am looking forward to concentrating on my cricket,” he said. “I’ll be playing twice a week and practising for the reps and U13s at Thurnscoe. My big ambition is to be a cricketer for Yorkshire and a footballer with Barnsley.”

It’s Daniel’s third year playing cricket, but he’s been playing football for five years and has been selected to play for Barnsley Schools Football Association. He is a midfielder for Dearne Dragons U11s and was the club’s top goal scorer last season.

“I don’t know where he gets his ability from, but me and his mum are so proud of him,” said his dad, Neil.

“It demands a big commitment from parents as we travel all over the country, but for his age he is phenomenal.”