Killer could have been a footie star

THE baby-faced killer who stabbed a solicitor with a screwdriver in a busy shopping centre was once tipped for football stardom.

Ewan Ireland, who turns 18 today so can be named for the first time, played for Newcastle United’s Academy as a youngster.

One coach who worked with him said: “He was an incredible player and compared to Gazza.

“But he had problems off the pitch. It’s such a waste.”

Ireland admitted killing Peter Duncan, 52, by stabbing him in the heart with a screwdriver. The dad of two had raised his arm to let Ireland through the doors of the Newcastle mall on August 14.

The teen has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced in December. He lived with his mum and older brother in a threebedroom semi on the outskirts of the city.

Neighbours told how he was often in trouble, with police frequently seen at the address.

One said: “This lad deserves everything he has coming to him.”