PERSERVERANCE has paid off for a Birchwood teenager who penned professional terms with Accrington Stanley last week.

Footballer Keenan Quansah, a former Birchwood Community High School student, has been making the two-hour each-way journey to train with the League Two outfit since being offered a scholarship at under 16s level.

Now 17, and training with the first team, the former Warrington Town and Woolston Rovers player is delighted to have signed a full-time one-year deal.

“I was pretty surprised when it happened,” said Quansah, who spent time with Liverpool, Crewe and Bolton after being scouted for Warrington Schoolboys.

“The first year I didn’t play many games so thought it was not looking too good. The second year I kicked on and thought I had a chance of getting a contract as I was training with the first team.

“I’ve been getting up at half six and my dad works in Manchester so he gives me a lift. Then I get a train, but sometimes I have to get a train and a bus and it takes me two hours.”

But Quansah, who has impressed boss John Coleman in a defensive midfield role, is confident he will not have to wait long for a taste of first-team football at the Crown Ground.

“It’s a pretty big step up from the youth team, mainly the speed and the physicality,” he added.

“They’ve said I’ve got a good chance of featuring in some games at the end of the season, because they’re in mid-table and are not going to get relegated.

“Hopefully I can start featuring in some games and get playing regularly.”

Seeing Keenan sign a professional contract was a proud moment for the Quansah family, whose other son Jarell is playing for Liverpool under 12s while the boys’ granddad, Sam, represented Ghana in the 1950s.

“The academy system is a tricky system but with perseverance all children can reach their goals – this is why we are so proud,” said mum Michelle.

“He was at Liverpool Academy, Crewe and Bolton on trial then finally got a contract at Macclesfield Town at under 14s. The Academy broke down after they were relegated from League Two.

“It just goes to show ‘never give up’.”