HUDDERSFIELD Town's scouts were reported to have been in Northern Ireland on Saturday keeping tabs on a young striker with a big reputation.

Town's men were among a crowd watching young Cliftonville striker Liam Boyce.

Cliftonville boss Eddie Patterson is predicting a bright future for Boyce, who is still just 18 — and he insists that any cross-channel club that swoops to snap him up won’t be taking a chance.

Town are just one of host of clubs keeping an eye on the 14-goal hitman. Leicester City are already interested, while newspapers in Northern Ireland say it is understood that Swansea City have made an enquiry about the youngster.

Mortonand even Premier League Bolton Wanderers were all represented as Cliftonville, nicknamed the Reds, went down 2-0 against Portadown on Saturday and further scouts are expected to monitor Boyce between now and the end of the season.

“Liam Boyce will be a star,” is Patterson’s bold prediction.

“He has great vision, pace, skill and a scoring touch. Signing him would not be a gamble for any club. With full-time training he would get physically stronger and and although he is technically very good already, that would improve very quickly as well.

“He would really benefit from full-time training and if he gets that he can be as good as anyone.

“We’re aware that Leicester City are interested and Gerry Taggart has watched a number of our games.

“Other clubs have watched him and one has been in touch.”