CHARLIE SAVAGE hopes to go one better than his old man — and make the grade at Manchester United.
But the 17-year-old midfielder says Scott McTominay, not his dad Robbie, is the main inspiration behind his goal to reach the Old Trafford first team.
Robbie Savage was a member of United’s Class of 92 alongside the likes of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Nicky Butt.
He never made a senior appearance for United but went on to have a fine career with Leicester, Birmingham and Derby.
Savage Sr, now a pundit, also won 39 caps for Wales in midfield.
Now his son Charlie is making waves with both United and Wales and hopes to follow in the footsteps of Red Devils academy graduate McTominay.
Savage Jr admitted: “The main inspiration for me is Scott — he’s the best with us. He comes over to talk to us. He had it difficult in the youth team.
“He didn’t play many matches but he just kept going and he proved it’s not always the standout players who make the first team.
“Sometimes it’s the players who might have had a back seat but they keep pushing and pushing.
“Scott, Marcus Rashford and also Brandon Williams all inspire us to improve and move forward.”
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Savage Jr is a regular for United’s Under-18s and is highly rated.
He was born in Leicester in 2003, when his dad was playing for the Foxes.
Now he wants to represent Wales like dad Robbie — and last month made his Under-18 debut in a defeat to England.
With his long hair flowing, Savage Jr is eerily similar to his famous father.
But he is more of a creative threat than his enforcer dad — plus a fine passer.
Charlie said: “My first game for Wales was two or three years ago and I’ve come through the age groups.
“I’ve always dreamed of playing for my country, it makes me proud.
“Last season was difficult because I was injured but this season I’ve played pretty much all the matches at United — and I feel like I am progressing really well.
“My dad doesn’t really say too much to me. He leaves that to the coaches who know better!
“He’s there if I need him but he always stresses to me how big a thing it is to play for your country — and that I should be proud of what I’ve achieved so far.
“It’s an honour for me to play for Wales.”
Charlie was watched against England by his dad, who was forced to stand on a hill outside Cardiff International stadium because of Covid regulations. Robbie then picked his son up in a Bentley.
It was quite the contrast to his junior Welsh team-mates, driving off in their Volkswagen Polos.
Charlie said: “It’d be nice to replicate what he did and make it to the Wales first team.
“We are different. He was tenacious, whereas I’m more of a ball player.
“I think I’m a better finisher than him too! He won’t like me saying that — but if I can have half the career he had, then I’ll be very happy.”
Savage faced England in the same Wales side as captain Keelan Williams, the brother of Liverpool and Wales defender Neco.
Charlie will now hope to follow a similar path in the next few seasons.
Wales Under-18 boss Rob Edwards said: “I’ve got to say Charlie has a great attitude.
“His presence in our camp is very professional. We set the standards of an elite environment and Charlie has come in and been a great character.
“He played very well against England. The players wouldn’t be here if we didn’t think they had potential.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
