AN Island footballer on the brink of full international honours always ‘kept his feet firmly on the ground’ despite his enormous talent, his former teacher has said.
Former St Clement’s Primary School pupil Luke Harris – now making waves at Fulham FC – was this week called up to the Wales squad for the first time.
Now 17 years old, the Fulham player will be training alongside the likes of Gareth Bale and Dan James as Wales prepare to face Belgium and Poland next week in the Nations League.
The head teacher at St Clement’s School, Richard Heaven, reflected on Luke’s attitude during his time at school. Mr Heaven said: ‘He was very quiet and unassuming. He kept his feet firmly on the ground and he inspired others.
‘We kept watching out for him and saw him plotting a way at different levels for Fulham. The thought that he could be playing against the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Robert Lewandowski is really exciting.’
Mr Heaven summarised his former student’s attitude when he spent time playing in an international tournament with the Fulham academy. Mr Heaven said: ‘One weekend Luke couldn’t play for the school team against Plat Douet as he was away with Fulham. On the Monday morning he turned to me in a very matter-of-fact manner and said he played against Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Hertha Berlin.
‘He had no ego about him. His family kept him very grounded, and despite constant travelling and playing above age groups, he always had a fantastic attitude.’
As captain of the St Clement’s school team, Harris and his teammates won the English Schools’ FA Danone Nations Cup, which was coached by Mr Heaven. The final was played at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium during the same year in which the Foxes lifted the Premier League title.
Mr Heaven added: ‘Luke really inspired others. There were other talented players in the team and he made them even better.
‘He recently made his debut for Fulham’s first team against Crawley, and it’s another step on the learning ladder. I hope he does get minutes for Wales.’
Wales play against Belgium on 22 September at 7.45pm.
