A 19-year-old German Striker recently scored the winning goal in a trial match for Birmingham, after an impressive display at our event in October.

Ross Haig, a pacey and intelligent striker, currently plays for TSV Victoria Clarholz in the German 6th Division and finished top scorer last season in the u19’s league with 27 goals in 17 appearances.

His raw ability coupled with a strong desire to make it England led him to book a UK Football Trial and fly across from Germany in the hope of impressing the scouts who would be attending.

But he caught the attention of someone else during his trial in Birmingham – his coach.

Former West Brom and Leicester City Goalkeeper Mark Grew – who has also managed Port Vale on several occasions – coached Ross on the day and was impressed enough to recommend him to Birmingham City.  

Mark said: "I could tell within the first 10-15 minutes that he was one of the best players.

"He did eveything technically very well and he scored a couple of goals in the game at the end, one with each foot, so I got in touch with Birmingham and said 'you need to have a look at him'.

"He spent a week there and they htink he could be one to look out for," added Mark.

Earlier this month, Ross scored the winner against AFC Telford when he turned out for a Birmingham City Development side.

“My trial at Birmingham was the best footballing experience,” Ross explained.

“The training was quality and covered all aspects of the game. They play an attractive style of football and the standard is very good, fast paced and very demanding.”

Ross added: “I feel like I stuck to the challenge and did well - I scored the only goal of the game in a win against AFC Telford.

“The coaches were always willing to help me learn and improve.”

Ross describes some of his best attributes as being his pace, movement and ability to finish – all of which helped him notch up a tally of 5 goals in 12 substitute appearances for his club’s first team last season.

The 5”9 German finisher puts his recent success down to his continued hard work and our football trial event last year, saying: “I owe the team a massive thank you, as it wouldn’t be possible without you.

“UK Football Trials helped me get a trial with a professional team.”

Ross has been invited back in to train with Birmingham in the future after impressing club coaches and academy staff - we will bring you updates as we get them.