An early start is vital to success.

CHRIS EVANS says anybody who doubts his claim that young Welsh footballers are disadvantaged need only look at one stark fact to see that an early headstart can make a world of difference.

The first six years of a youngster's football education - from age six to 12 - are crucial to his future success, says Evans.

And the fact that the vast majority of professional footballers are born in either September, October or November - with very few born in July or August - shows just how vital it is to get the best possible start.

"A child who goes to school in September at age four is more confident, usually bigger and stronger than the other children and they get in the school team first," he says.

"On the other hand, children born later in the academic year tend to be smaller when they start school, and they tend never to recover.

"If the month a child was born can have such a long-lasting effect, then surely it's going to be long-lasting if a child learns three times a week at age six compared to a child who starts learning at age 12.

"That child almost hasn't got a hope - although funnily enough Robbie Keane is a July birth, and Joleon Lescott was born in August!"