TALENTED amateur footballer Robert Black is on the verge of signing a professional contract with League One club Leyton Orient, after being selected to train with their first-team squad.

Midfielder Robert Black, 17, of Tintern Avenue, Urmston, impressed Orient manager Russell Slade during the final of Samsung’s nationwide Win A Pro Contract competition, which attracted a record-breaking 5,700 entries.

Robert reached the final after making it through a series of trials stages and a semi-final match.

He then lined-up with 21 other finalists to compete in an 11-a-side match at Orient’s Matchroom Stadium on March 2.

The finalists played in front of Leyton Orient manager Russell Slade, Wycombe Wanderers boss Gareth Ainsworth and Swindon Town’s Mark Cooper, who then made two selections each.

Russell Slade will now assess Robert, and one other selected player, when he joins his first-team squad for a few days of intense boot-camp training.

Slade will then award one player a life-changing one-year professional contract.

Slade said: “The final was of a really good standard, very competitive right from the start, with everyone giving it their all.

“It was pleasing to see the boys going for it, as I want to see desire and a good work ethic in whoever we choose, as I demand that from all of my players.

“Robert looked like he has the potential and talent that we can work with and develop, and I look forward to seeing more of him.”

To keep up to date with Samsung’s Win A Pro Contract competition go to: www.facebook.com/samsungfootball.