TEENAGE pool champion Ryan Mercer is aiming to pot a world title in a competition televised by Sky Sports and he’s also hoping to pocket a sponsorship deal.

The 17-year-old, a sixth form student at St Mary's Catholic College in Wallasey, is already a European champion, will captain his team when they represent England in the Blackball International World Championships in Perth, Scotland, in October.

He is the only Under-18 A Team pool player from Merseyside to represent his country.

Ryan, who hones his skills regularly at Sharks Pool Lounge, Birkenhead, has blazed a trail through a series of international tournaments and is determined to win a major competition in honour of his grandad, Ralph Mercer, who died in 2012.

He hopes a local business might sponsor him in his quest. In return he will wear the sponsorship name while competing in the UK and Europe.

Last November Ryan flew with team mates to Malta where he won more than 65 per cent of his games in the European Blackball Federation Nations Cup against Scotland, Wales, Northern / Southern Ireland, Malta and Gibraltar.

He then stormed through the European Championships in April to take the title along with team mates in Bridlington, Yorkshire. He won more than 70 per cent of his games, a victory that secured his place as captain of the England Under-18 A Team in the World Championships.

Ryan, from New Brighton, has been captain of the Merseyside Youth team for the last two years and recently became manager.

He is regularly supported at competitions by his parents, Jim and Jayne Mercer, and his nan Valerie.

Dad Jim introduced Ryan to playing pool when he was just 14. He now practises up to five times a week as well as studying for BTEC qualifications in Public Services and Sport at St Mary’s.

He said: “It will be really great being able to compete at the top level again, and to try to win for my grandad.”