He's a tiler by trade, but Irish League striker harbours pro football ambition

He's the full-time tiler who is dreaming of becoming a professional footballer. And Benji Magee is heading in the right direction.

The Loughgall striker has been in sensational form this season. Only Larne pair Andy Ryan and Lee Bonis, and Cliftonville talisman Ben Wilson, have scored more Premiership goals than the 21-year-old.

He was also crowned Young Player of the Year at last Saturday's Northern Ireland Football Awards, beating Shea Kearney and Ethan McGee to the coveted crown.

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"I am still in a bit of shock over winning the award. I never expected to win it," the modest Magee says.

"I thought Shea or Ethan were ahead of me. So I expected one of them to get it."

Magee joins an illustrious list of previous winners to collect the award.

"There are names on the trophy like Gavin Whyte, Sean Moore, Shayne Lavery. To be included with those guys is incredible. It is a good achievement for me," he beams.

"And it is great recognition for Loughgall. Especially after Dean (Smith) won Manager of the Year. I wasn't surprised to see Dean win that considering what he has done in the Premiership this season. He is a great manager."

Reflecting on his own stellar season, and hitting the heights in the goalscoring charts, Magee said: "I have been delighted with how things have gone. The goals did dry up a bit after January, but I got one against Glenavon recently to get back on track.

"I have one game to go and my only concern is Nathaniel Ferris behind me. He is one behind and I don't want him catching me!"

Magee's form has earned him the attention of several clubs across the water, while the likes of Glentoran and Linfield have been linked with the Northern Ireland underage international.

He is quick to play down any speculation and interest, insisting his sole focus has been on helping Loughgall finish the season on a high note.

"I just concentrating on doing well for Loughgall. We came up from the Championship and there was no pressure on us. Everyone expected us to go straight back down," he said.

"We just carried on from last season, and carried that confidence. It has been a great experience for everyone. I just carry the belief that I can score.

"I didn't play much at the start of the season, then I scored in a 1-1 draw against Crusaders and I kicked on from there. I just felt I could score in every game.

"Dean has been a massive influence. He used to be a striker, and I am a striker. He gave me so many tips and things to work on. He is a great manager and is brilliant with the young players. It is like talking to your mate.

"There's no fear playing for Dean. He is good to talk to."

Magee was linked with a potential move away from Lakeview Park in the January transfer window. He says the unforgiving transfer spotlight didn't distract him from the job at hand with Loughgall.

He said: "I never paid any attention to it. When clubs were interested at Christmas I didn't even think about it. Even right now, I am just focused on playing for Loughgall. It isn't something I worry about

"I just want to finish this season and then we will see what happens. I am ambitious and I would love a crack at full-time football across the water. If the opportunity arose then I would go for it. I want to play at the highest level possible.

"I have a lot of confidence. I love scoring goals, there is no better feeling. That's what I want to do."

Loughgall take on relegated Newry City in their final game of the season on Saturday. They still have a chance of sneaking into eighth spot.

Magee says the buzz around Lakeview Park has been palpable, with the fans acting as the proverbial 12th man throughout the season.

"They have been great. They have backed us through thick and thin this season. They have all made songs for each player, and they push you through every game," he said.

Magee's current full-time job is working as a tiler for Greer Tiling in Belfast. Juggling that with football training and weekend matches has left him with very little spare time for anything else.

"The shop I work for is Greer Tiling, but I work all over the place. We are working on a boat in the dock at the minute," he said.

"I do enjoy it. I enjoy working hard and then going to football and working hard. I go to the gym before work because I know I won't have time later in the day.

"If I got a full-time football contract, it would be difficult walking away from the tiling. I am in a routine that I enjoy.

"But obviously full-time football is a dream, so that would probably take priority.

"Plus I always get asked to do the odd homer by family and friends, but I don't have the time. I have enough on my hands.

"I am actually looking forward to a break after Saturday's final game. I have booked a break for June 6 and I do need it. I have been working a lot recently and it has been tough."

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