FORMER Horndean player Sam Smart has been on trial with League One club Sunderland.

Smart, who left the Deans to join Southern League outfit Basingstoke Town, has been on trial with the Wearsiders.

And Horndean boss Michael Birmingham, who used to manage Smart at Five Heads Park, is delighted for his former player.

Birmingham said: “It is fantastic for Sam.

“You don’t see non-league players getting those chances these days with all the academies around.

“I’m sure it is a dream come true for Sam. He is a great lad. When he left us he was very honest and said he wanted to play at the highest level possible.”

Birmingham was in no doubt on what Smart’s biggest asset is as a player.

“His pace is scary,” said Birmingham.

“Sam can run past players, he’s lightning.

If you don’t get tight to him he’ll drive at you, and he has terrific feet. This couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.”

Sunderland are in the same league as Portsmouth, and Birmingham believes the Fratton faithful would have loved to see local lad Smart donning the star and crescent.

“I’m sure those 18,000 fans would love to see another local lad,” said Birmingham.

“Pompey are flying though to be fair. They haven’t got an under-23s team, so Sam would have to be good enough to get into the first team straight away.”