A painter and decorater from Cardiff has been signed up to play for a Welsh Premier League football team after being spotted in the South Wales Echo’s regular ‘Team of the Week’ feature.

Midfielder Paul Fowler had been continually nominated for a place in the fantasy team in the Echo’s grassroots sports pullout, Game On, by team mates at South Wales Senior League side Bridgend Street.

His appearances became so frequent that he caught the attention of Mark Jones, the manager of Welsh Premier League side Carmarthen Town – who decided to go on a scouting mission to watch him.

And the manager was so impressed he took a gamble by asking Paul to try out with Town.

Paul has now not only won a place in the side, but has been the star player since making the step up to the top amateur league in Wales.

Paul, (21), said: “I was very surprised when Mark asked me along.

“To be honest I thought I would just go along for the experience and see what came of it.

“But it’s gone better than I could have imagined and I’m really enjoying it.”

Mark said: “I kept seeing this fellow’s name in the Team of the Week in the Echo’s Game On and just thought he had to be worth a watch.

“I invited Paul along to see how he would fit in and he has done very well.”