From Magpies youth team to the World Cup
Maidenhead United are delighted with the conveyor belt of talent currently coming through from their youth academy, yet one former youth star is a shining example of what can be achieved with hard-work, dedication and a little bit of luck.
Just over eight seasons ago, Matty Cash was playing for Maidenhead United's u18s side, helping them clinch the 2013-14 Allied Counties Premier Division championship with three goals in 10 matches.
Fast forward nine years and Cash is currently representing Poland on the biggest stage of all, having been selected for his adopted nation's World Cup squad in Qatar. He started Tuesday's goalless draw with Mexico alongside the likes of Robert Lewandowski - and is tipped to retain his place against Lionel Messi's Argentina and the competition's surprise package, Saudi Arabia.
The Slough-born right-back is eligible to play for Poland through his mum and grandparents. Having been overlooked by
Gareth Southgate for an England call up, Cash applied for a Polish passport last year and, after receiving citizenship in October, was called up to play his first international against Andorra in November.
The 25-year-old is a graduate of the Bisham-based FAB Academy and went on to sign for Nottingham Forest, making 141 appearances for the club.
He signed for Aston Villa for a reported £16m and has continued to progress and develop his game under managers Dean Smith, Steven Gerrard and now Unai Emery.