LITTLE Luke Needham got the chance to follow in the footsteps of his heroes when he stepped on to the pitch at the Reebok Stadium.

And his dad Andrew was hoping it would not be the last time he sets foot on the hallowed turf - because he has placed a bet on his 21-month-old son becoming a Bolton Wanderers star by his 21st birthday.

Royal Navy chief petty officer Andrew, of Saxby Avenue, Bromley Cross, is such a big fan of the Wanderers, he is determined that Luke will become the next Kevin Nolan or Nicky Hunt.

And as the youngster skilfully kicked a ball round the pitch at the Reebok, his dad said: "I know he can do it."

Andrew, aged 39, has backed £50 on his son at odds of 50-1 with Ladbrokes to take up a position in the first team after seeing that he had a natural talent with a football. And Ladbrokes invited Luke along to the Reebok so he could show off his skills for the cameras.

Lifelong Wanderers fan Andrew, a season ticket holder, said: "We play football all the time together at home, and its is all he wants to do. If he sees anyone playing a game in the street or a field, he runs in and hijacks the game. He has to kick every ball he sees.

"Im already proud just to see him on the pitch today, and to see him on there again in the future would be brilliant.

"He hasnt been to a match yet, but as soon as hes bigger and shows an interest hell be coming with me."

Lukes mum Jane, aged 36, also a Wanderers fan, said: "Andrew has been a Bolton fan since he was the same size as Luke, so we knew hed follow his dad.

"At home Luke is a typical boy and he definitely knows what hes doing with a football. He keeps his eye on it when hes running and has a really good kick."

A spokesman for Bolton Wanderers said: "We wish Luke all the best and having seen him with a ball today, we'll definitely keep our eye on him and hopefully see him here in 20 years."

The bet would ensure a return of £2,500 plus the original stake for Andrew.

A spokesman for Ladbrokes said: "We don't get many bets of this nature but having seen Luke with a ball, and considering that he's not even two years old yet, we wouldn't rule out the chances of him achieving this."