RADCLIFFE schoolboy Kian Monaghan has been tipped for the top after being picked for the England Under-15s blackball pool team.

The 14-year-old, who attends Phillips High School in Whitefield and plays club pool at Savannah’s, will make his international bow at the Nations' Cup in Northern Ireland next month.

Kian has been picked for England’s three-man side to compete in the team competition against squads from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in Coleraine from October 24-28.

The teenager will also represent his country in the doubles alongside Alfie Lee, son of professional snooker player Stephen Lee.

Trace Davis, youth manager of the England Blackball Pool Federation, says she was blown away by Kian’s attitude, as well as his ability, after meeting him at a selection event in Liverpool in May.

“Kian really caught my eye,” said Davis. “I had not seen him play before, but Kian had taken the time and trouble to contact me through Facebook before the event and was clearly really keen, so I was interested to see what he was all about.

“I was certainly not disappointed. For me, his temperament, considering he is only 14, was just brilliant.

“Put that together with undoubted ability and I see no reason why, if he keeps on improving at this rate, Kian will be a future star – no question.

“I am really excited to see how he develops.”

Kian started playing pool aged 11 and was picked for Savannah’s men’s team by the time he was 12.

After impressing on the local circuit, the teenager was asked to try out for Lancashire and made the county team last year.

"I really enjoy playing and it means a lot to me to have a hobby that I really enjoy doing," said Kian.

As with most sports, competing at a high level comes at a cost and Kian’s parents have had to fund the majority of his travel costs around the country, and now internationally.

But they have been helped out with sponsorship from Bury company Pym Gate Developments, which have helped fund next month’s trip to compete at the Nations Cup.

“Pym Gate Developments have been fantastic,” said dad Jason Rakha.

“Their sponsorship has helped pay for flights, hotel, transfers, clothing and equipment.

“Kian has put in such a lot of hard work to get this chance, but without Pym Gate’s help competing in his first international tournament would not have been possible.”