Connor proves a hit with the Three Lions

The 17-year-old is Cannock's newest England international after joining up with the Cerebral Palsy squad and is already filling his boots with medals.

Neuchterlien, who went to Kingsmead School in Hednesford before going on to study painting and decorating at Walsall College, did not join up with the side until he was 15.

Little more than a year down the line, he was donning the Three Lions and belting out God Save The Queen as he helped roar his country on to success.

"Connor always thought he was the same as everyone else," said proud mum Melita Rawlins.

"His step-dad Craig took him along to Birmingham County Cerebral Palsy side. He had been playing locally at Cannock Town for a long time before that – ever since he was five.

"I will never forget at first Connor didn't like it at all. He didn't want to go back.

"But the coaches said they saw potential and they managed to persuade him to stay."

It proved a good decision, as Neuchterlien quickly adapted to his new side and soon began to draw the interest of the England selectors.

Following on from a handful of training weekends and call-ups, Neuchterlien's childhood dream of international football became a reality as he made the squad for Nottingham's World Games in August 2015.

"It didn't take very long at all for England to spot him," said Mrs Rawlins.

"I was so proud and emotional. Connor always dreamed of being a footballer.

"The disability wouldn't hold him back, it was very overwhelming.

"He's my little boy and I was crying so much I could barely see."

Neuchterlien helped England along to a bronze medal, but more honours – and a first win – were shortly around the corner.

"He was called up for the Friendship Cup held in Ireland last month," added Mrs Rawlins.

"They played against teams like Italy, Denmark and Ireland and won it.

"It was another emotional weekend for myself and Craig."

Neuchterlien's Cerebral Palsy affects daily movement – with his mother revealing that he would be asked why he walked with a limp.

He was first diagnosed as a two-year-old, but was born with the condition. His family noticed a problem when he turned out to be a late developer in walking.

But joining in with the Birmingham County CP side proved a turning point for the inspirational youngster, who now holds high aspirations of taking his disability football right to the top.

"He struggles with general movement problems but joining a CP football side was a big boost," Mrs Rawlins added.

"There can be lots of different types of Cerebral Palsy, they're all different, some are far more serious than Connor's.

"He's always loved football and he's proved that if there is something that you want so much, then you can achieve it."

The Paralympic football side are going out to Rio this summer and Connor's aim is to make that squad one day.

"He's played a high-level football now and he wants to keep playing at that level – not going back down to normal local level," said Mrs Rawlins.