A YOUNG football player whose family hails from Gourock is looking to join a UK team after excelling abroad in a top-flight training academy.

Finlay Gray, 18, has just completed his studies at the Cruzeiro Football Academy, based within the British International School Phuket (BISP).

He is now staying with his grandparents in Gourock as he looks to progress his career with a Scottish or UK senior club.

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The BISP Cruzeiro Football Academy is a high-performance football school backed by Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, a successful football team based in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

From the age of 12, Finlay’s ability attracted attention from football scouts in Penang, Malaysia where his parents live, which resulted in him being offered a scholarship at the academy.

(Image: Simon Gray)

Since then, Finlay has played in the first team at every level up to the senior team, and was selected as under-19 captain at the age of 16.

Throughout his time at Cruzerio, Finlay has led his teams to winning trophies and league championships in both Bangkok and touring throughout Europe.

He has also regularly been voted Footballer of the Year.

(Image: Simon Gray)

In his final season with the club, the left-sided player captained his team to winning the Bangkok League.

His successful career on the field and academically has made him the centre of advertising for the BISP Cruzeiro Football Academy.

Following trials with Malaga CF, Gymnastic de Tarragona and Cultural Leonesa in Spain, Finlay was offered a contract by each club but, because of the language barrier, with all coaching being conducted in Spanish, he declined.

(Image: Simon Gray)

Since arriving in Gourock earlier this month, Finlay has trained with an Edinburgh team, but remains on the lookout for trial opportunities while he considers his future education options.

Those wishing to get in touch with Finlay can reach him by email at finlay@finlaygray.com.