FORMER Axminster Town and Millwey Rise youth team payer Tyler Dibling is making a name for himself as one of the most talented prospects to emerge as the current football season draws to a close.

Tyler, aged 16 and a pupil at Axe Valley Academy, has signed professional forms for Premier League club Southampton.

Recently, he hit the national headlines when he scored a hat-trick in the Saints 4-2 victory over Newcastle in Premier 2, three glorious left-footed strikes from outside the box.

And yesterday (Saturday) he became one of the youngest Saints' players to make the first team squad when he was named as a substitute by manager Ralph Hasenhutt for Southampton's game against Brentford.

Before the game, Hasenhutt said: "He was training with us in the week and showed some good moves. It is good to give him chance to be around the team to get a feeling for the atmosphere in a Premier Legue game and this is good for him."

Although Tyler did not get on the pitch, it can only be a matter of time before he gets his big chance.

After hearing that he had been selected as a substitute, Axminster Football Club sent him a message on social media, saying: "Sending our very best wishes to Tyler Dibling who has made the squad for Southamton FC's match away to Brentford. What a fabulous achievement! Everyone at Axminster Town AFC are willing you on Tyler."

Tyler is the son of Sam Dibling who has played for Charmouth and Axminster this season and who is also manager of the Tigers' Under 13 squad which include's his younger brother Theo.

Next season the Under 13s will be plying in the Europa Cup at the famous Parc de Paris stadium.