Aaron all set forfull-time football

Son of manager Gary Duke, the 18-year-old heads off to Scotland on Saturday to begin his professional career.

Most of his coaching has been done by his dad from his time at Lurgan Town where he played for around six years before going to Newry and then Portadown for a short spell before spending two years with Linfield.

“He signed for us in December last year as he was seeking various offers from England and Scotland but as the Dundee offer didn’t materialise until early February he was outside the transfer window and played the rest of the season at Dollingstown,” said club chairman Hubert Watson.

“In that time he scored around 20 goals for the club. Everyone here wishes him all the best on his move and hope that it can be a successful journey.”

Since he played in the Milk Cup for Co Armagh Aaron got the craving for full time football.

“I played in the Milk Cup for the last three summers and that really gave me the hunger for turning professional,” said Aaron.

“I few clubs asked me for a trail but I went to Dundee United and my first instinct was that it was the club for me.

“They are a great club and very family focused. It’s up to me now. I have to get my head down and work even harder and try and improve my game.

“There are only three strikers in the first team squad at present, I have to show them what I can do and hopefully I can work my way into the first team.

“I have trained with the first team squad and as a striker if you are scoring goals then you get noticed. I’m really looking forward to the challenge.

“I’m a Manchester United fan and my dad is a Spurs man, he always hoped I might end up there. However, he is delighted I have got this chance.”