6:57pm UK, Thursday August 18, 2005

A Wigan Athletic striker scored a hat trick when he bagged straight As in maths, biology and chemistry.

Michael Hazeldine trains full-time with the Premiership club and plays for its under-19 and reserve sides.

The 18-year-old, from Manchester, was released by the club for one-and-a-half days per week to study at Preston College.

He plans to stay with Wigan for another year in the hope of landing a professional contract.

Michael's A grades in AS-Level maths and A-Level biology and chemistry will give him one further option.

That is to study medicine at university and become a doctor.

"Footballers have a reputation for not being that bright but I did pretty well in my GCSEs and now I've got these results," he said.

The talented youngster will enjoy a quiet celebration to mark his achievement.

He said on results day: "Wigan gave me the day off today but I've got training tomorrow morning, so I won't be having a big night out."