PROMISING teenage goalkeeper Lee Robinson has swapped the Albany Northern League for the Scottish Premier League.

At the start of the campaign Robinson turned out for Esh Winning against Bedlington Terriers and now he has put pen-to-paper with Scottish giants Rangers.

The 17-year-old, who has signed a professional deal until the end of the season, has attracted the interest from a number of clubs in recent years.

But he believes the move to the Champions League has been well worth waiting for - and hopes to earn a longer deal in the New Year.

"It's been fantastic up here," said Robinson, who was rejected by Sunderland as a schoolboy. "It has been very easy for me to settle and I have only been here a short time.

"When I was 13, Sunderland told me I was too small and they let me go after being there about five years. I struggled for confidence then and it had an effect on me.

"But I kept going. I'm 5ft 11in now and I'm relieved how things have worked out and it has worked out for the better.

"Rangers are happy with me and they gave me a contract until May 31 to start off with. They have told me that a few months down the line they will look at it again. Hopefully I can extend my contract here."

Robinson - who used to idolise ex-Rangers and England star Chris Woods - has previously had trial spells at a number of clubs including West Brom and Sheffield United.

Now big things are expected of him at Ibrox Park, where he is currently first choice for the Under-19s and has been on the bench for the Under-21s.

George Adams, Head of Youth Development at the club, said: "Lee has worked under goalkeeper coach Billy Thomson and has done very well. We have been impressed by his attitude and ability and are hopeful he will make good progress in the years to come."

The Sunderland teenager learned his trade for Washington Juniors in the Russell Foster Youth League from the age of nine upwards.

But it was his displays for Herrington Under-18s that alerted Esh Winning boss Barry Fleming to his progress. Fleming installed Robinson as back-up for first-choice Lenny French and said: "Lee has got a fantastic attitude and he has got age on his side. He has got plenty of potential and I wish him well."

Since moving up to Scotland, Robinson is living with David and Joan Moyes - parents of Everton boss David Moyes - and Rangers Under-21 midfielder Charlie Adam.

He was studying a Leisure and Recreation course at Peterlee's East Durham and Houghall Community College before moving north of the border.

And he revealed he previously turned down the chance to sign scholarship terms for a couple of Third Division sides - notably Darlington.

"I spent time at West Brom and Sheffield United on trial, and I was offered a three-year deal at Mansfield after training for two days," said the flame-haired keeper.

"But I don't know what it was, it just didn't feel right for me there. Darlington also offered me a contract last year.

"I first went to Rangers last year but I was out injured for a few days. I went back again in July this year. I played in a friendly against Hamilton and spent four days training and then things went from there."