Fans to get a glimpse of Ronaldo

YOUNG HOPEFULS . . . from the left: Rory Middleton, James Sloane, Brad Kay, Callum O'Neill, Dylan King. Front: Ryan Leonard, Mason Fallon, Ronaldo Brown, Brendan Glackin

RONALDO is aiming to be a wing wizard for Athletic.

But the club haven’t suddenly found a pot of gold to sign the Real Madrid superstar: this Ronaldo is Ronaldo Brown, a 16-year-old member of the group of nine scholars to sign for Athletic following his release from Liverpool’s youth system.

Chorlton-dwelling Ronaldo was named after the Brazilian legend, and the famous-name theme runs in the family: Athletic have also checked out his brother Rivaldo, named after a former samba star.

The other eight, less-exotically named players officially inducted yesterday include a pair from Northern Ireland.

Centre-back Dylan King is the captain of Northern Ireland’s under-17s and made his first-team debut for Institute FC on Saturday. He has attracted interest from a number of other clubs. His countryman Brendan Glackin plays as a forward for Linfield’s under-19s and the quick, sharp goal scorer will aim to follow in the footsteps of Athletic’s Northern Ireland star Carl Winchester.

New player profiles —

BRAD KAY: A centre-forward who attended Saddleworth School, he has been with Athletic right through the age groups and stands tall at over six feet.

MASON FALLON: A former Middleton Technology School pupil, he is a tenacious, quick and aggressive left-back.

RONALDO BROWN: A winger who attended Loreto High School in Chorlton, he represents his county and Athletic picked him up following his release by Liverpool.

RORY MIDDLETON: A midfielder who went to De La Salle School in St Helens, he has signed for Athletic from Blackburn Rovers and possesses an accurate left foot.

CALLUM O’NEILL: Brought in from Burnley last year, the goalkeeper is of a good size, is agile and has also impressed with his feet.

RYAN LEONARD: Joined Athletic two years ago and attended St Bedes College in Whalley Range. A dynamic midfield operator who can also play at

full-back.

JAMES SLOANE: A strong presence up front who holds the ball well, the technically-adept forward has played for Bamber Bridge first team and joined Athletic a year ago from Burnley.

DYLAN KING: A centre-back from Strabane, Northern Ireland, he has played first-team football for Institute FC and is the captain of his country’s

under-17s side.

BRENDAN GLACKIN: A swift striker with an eye for goal, he was with Linfield where he played for the club’s under-19s and trained with the first team. .