A local footballer has completed the rise from non-league to the Premier League.

Goalkeeper Nick Pope, who comes from Wicken, made his top-level debut on Sunday (September 10) for Burnley in their 1-0 success over Crystal Palace.

The former Bury Town and Soham Town Rangers youth star, 25, was handed the gloves after the Clarets’ first-choice goalkeeper, Tom Heaton, was forced off through injury in the first half.

And Pope’s skills earned his side an important three points, with the East Cambridgeshire lad making an excellent save from Christian Benteke late on.

Former King’s Ely pupil Pope began his career at Bury in 2008, before signing for Charlton Athletic in 2011.

He was sent out on loan half-a-dozen times during his five-year spell in London, most notably to Cambridge United in 2013 and League One side Bury in 2015. He joined Burnley last summer.

Nick is the brother of current Soham ‘keeper Josh Pope, who won the double with Mildenhall Town last season.