The Saints invasion of Swindon goes marching on.

Two more youngsters have been signed up to the Southampton centre of excellence. Liam Williams and Sam Packer, both nine, were spotted by scouts while playing for Lydiard Youth.

Liam, from Shaw and Sam, from Rodbourne, have been training twice a week with the South Coast team. Left-back Liam and winger Sam are delighted with their move.

Liam said: "It's wonderful. I'm really happy to be involved and I really enjoy it. I miss my friends at Lydiard but it's great to be playing in the Premier League."

The pair have a year's contract with Southampton, who run a number of training centres around the South west. Sam and Liam train at Bath University.

They have already played matches against quality clubs. They lost by the odd goal in a nine-goal thriller at Chelsea and were beaten 5-2 by Watford, but recovered to thrash Crystal Palace 11-1 with Sam scoring the opener.

Liam's mother Gill said: "It is a dream for any kid. The two of them just love football. They are happiest with a ball at their feet."