Matt Russell would love to be thought of as the Robbie Fowler of Sussex football.

But don't get the wrong idea. The in-form Horsham YMCA and Sussex hitman has got no intention of emulating some of the controversial, headline-grabbing stunts pulled by his Liverpool and England counterpart.

It's almost impossible to think of two less similar characters off the pitch. But, when it comes to goalscoring, the well-spoken former Lancing College student, with a liking for playing tennis and hockey when the chance arises, would love to be likened to the Scouse tearaway.

Russell, whose likely departure from YMCA this summer will spark a countywide scramble for his signature, revealed: "I support Liverpool through and through. "Robbie Fowler is my hero. He's the most natural goalscorer I've ever seen. He can score goals from anywhere on the pitch."

Plenty of County League sides would probably say the same about the 20-year-old PE student at University College Chichester, who hit 26 goals last season and has added 37 for YM and Sussex this time round.

Having declared his ambition to step up from the County League, he is being watched by Sussex's top Ryman teams, as well as premier division outfit Dulwich Hamlet. But, with better luck, he could have been learning his trade with Albion.

Russell spent five years at the Seagulls' school of excellence, where Ted Streeter reckoned he had a bright future. But the arrival of Liam Brady and his coaching staff spelt the end of that dream as they told the Rustington boy, whose father Graham played for Worthing, that he was too small to make the grade.

Two years under the guidance of Mick Rowlands at Bognor Youth followed, and there was a fleeting chance in Jack Pearce's front side before heading to the County League and Arundel. Russell explained: "I was taking a year out before going to university and working at Mowden School in Hove as a PE teacher. I couldn't make midweek games so it was difficult to make an impression at Bognor.

"Arundel was my first step into men's football. We got relegated but I scored 18 goals. Then John Suter at Horsham YMCA came in for me. It was the only real offer I got and they seemed quite a good club." He added: "I played alongside Phil Churchill in my first season there was a real help. He can score goals and it takes the pressure off the other striker.

"I had thoughts about moving on after my first season. I had offers from Burgess Hill and Jack Pearce but I sat down with John Suter and he thought my best bet was stay another year and really make a name for myself."

Reputation firmly established, Russell now looks to have the pick of some tempting offers for next season. He revealed: "I'm flattered by some of the clubs who apparently want to sign me, although no-one has mentioned money at all. I think I'm a little more than just a goalscorer. I can create as well. But I'm definitely not physically strong enough. I'm predominantly right footed so maybe I could work on my left and on my upper-body strength."

All the same, the potential is there, and Bognor appear favourites to tap into it at this early stage. A good performance in the Senior Cup quarter-final, when YM visit Bognor, might just clinch Russell's second chance at Nyewood Lane. They are the hottest properties in Sussex football, the young goalgetters who most leading managers across the county would love to sign.

There are plenty of great prospects across Sussex in all positions, but those capable of hitting the net on a regular basis will always be the most sought after.

Along with Matt Russell, these are the bright young things who have got people talking this season

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.