Cumbernauld starlet Gary Shields has been snapped up by Aberdeen as the club cements its reputation for bring through talented youngsters.

The Cumbernauld High pupil, who can play up front or in midfield, turned down interest from Rangers and Celtic to sign an `S' Form with The Dons. The 14-year-old who lives in Carrickstone, has been playing with Aberdeen for the past season and a half following a spell with Celtic. Picked up late at 11, he is now playing in the Under 13 SPL Youth League.

Gary makes the trip to the north-east every two weeks, the club hires a coach to take all their centrally based players to the matches at Balgowrie. Training is held weekly in Hamilton.

Gary said: ``I am very pleased to have been ofered a contract. I got some hints from the the manager and then a couple of weeks ago the club offered one. Rangers were interested but they only offer a `D' Form which only lasts one year, where as at Aberdeen the contract is valid until I leave school.

``I have wanted to be a footballer since I was six, but as I had reached 11 with nothing happening I started to lose hope. However, I know that school is the priority, I am due to go into S3 after the summer and I am achieving credit in most classes.''

Aberdeen's Youth Development Manager, Chic McLelland said: `Gary is an athletic player with good skill. He is at the very bottom rung of the ladder and needs to keep climbing. He needs to stick in with his education as he has to have something to fall back on - we are not a club who has a problem with boys staying on at school. He has good potential which he needs to fulfill in later years and show he has what it takes to play in the first team.'

Cumbernauld High headteacher, Isobel McNaughton said: ``We are proud of him. Gary is a level headed lad and we are confident he can balance football and school work. We hope for a dazzling future.''

Gary is all set to travel to Ireland at the start of next month to compete in the Shell-Foyle Cup. Aberdeen are in a tough group, facing Stockport County, Dublin and Belfast.''

Chris McGuire from Bellshill, Michael Hoy from Vale of Leven, Martin Skinner from Aberdeen and Gary Loughran from Greenock have all also recently signed S-Forms with Aberdeen.