The 17-year-old from Ballymoney made the move to English professional football last summer when he signed for battling Championship side Stoke City.

Initially brought to the club to develop his talent, the former Ballymoney High School pupil quickly caught the eye of the Stoke coaching staff while playing in the academy teams.

That led to him making the move to reserve team football where he was playing alongside first team players, such as former Liverpool defender Dominic Matteo.

To make his dream move even better, the club's first team, under the experienced guidance of Tony Pulis, earned promotion to the Premiership at the end of last season amid scenes of jubliation on the streets of Stoke.

So when he completes his six-week summer break on the 29th it will be to a Premiership club that he returns.

Quite brilliant and with his coaches taking a keen handle on his burgeoning career, he remains one of the club's most exciting prospects.

His dad, Alan, told Times Sport this week: "Richard can't wait to get back over and start pre-season training with Stoke.

"There was a real buzz about the club at the end of the season after they secured promotion to the Premiership and everyone's really upbeat about the new season.

"Of course they know it is going to be difficult to stay up but I think they'll certainly be ready for it when the season begins.

"The whole club has been revamped for Premiership football, the training facilities and eveything over at Stoke are first class.

"It's a very good club for Richard to be at and he's done really well over there. I have to say he's been extremely dedicated to it and he's focussed on playing and doing his best.

"Training twice a day was quite a change and it's a big commitment but it's a very well-disciplined club and I think they are very happy with him on and off the pitch."

With Northern Ireland caps at under-16 and under-17 level already secured it seems it won't be too long before more international honours follow. He is being talked about as a possible for the under-19 squad in the coming season - but first comes the club return.

"I think his immediate goals have to be to keep progressing in the way he was last season," said Alan, assistant manager at Portstewart FC.

"He will be aiming to continue to work his way through the academy and try and establish himself as a regular in the reserves.