Ricardo Rees: The non-league striker proving a match for Erling Haaland

Rees started his youth career at Cardiff City before moving to Bristol City where he was offered a two-year professional contract.

He never made a senior appearance at Bristol but was a regular in the under-23 side before loan spells at Bath City and Salisbury.

Rees moved to Yate Town in July 2021 and admits to have fallen out of love with football at the time, but a move to the Merthyr the following summer reignited his passion.

In front of a vibrant crowd – with gates regularly in excess of 1,000 – Merthyr are on a great run of form, winning five on the bounce.

And Rees has been crucial, scoring 11 goals in his last seven, including all four in a 4-2 victory away at Telford United.

It has led to some calls on social media for Wales call-up.

“You never know in the coming years what could happen, but I wouldn’t mind it,” laughed Rees.

With survival the aim for many of the Martyrs faithful this season, they currently find themselves in a play-off position.

“It’s a fantastic run club, it’s run by the fans, which is not done by many clubs,” said Rees.

“It is always nice to get so much love from the fans, and it reflects on the field as well, it gives you that confidence and we’re forever grateful.”

Despite offers elsewhere in August, Rees put pen to paper to keep him at the club until the end of the season.

The manager Paul Michael was among those to persuade him to stay to lead his attacking line and Rees has repaid that trust and more so far.

“We know how much of a good young manager he is, I think we’re very lucky to have him,” added Rees.

Just as the Penydarren Park fans are grateful for having the Merthyr Haaland.