King’s Park Secondary teacher Stephen Capaldi is playing in the World Pool Championships in the Philippines as the LOCAL NEWS goes to press.

He will represent Scotland and be the only Scot among the 128 players cueing up. And he has the backing of the entire school. Said head teacher Margaret Barr, ‘Stephen is a popular and inspiring PE teacher. It is a wonderful achievement for him to go to Manila.’

The school’s football team proudly posed in their new strip with their teacher who has been sponsored by a local companies – King’s Park Pharmacy Nigel Kelly; kiltmakers McGregor & MacDuff; Burnside Travel and Gate restaurant, Trongate.

Said Stephen, ‘I agree with the bookies who have me 1000 – 1 to win, but I’m really looking forward to going and will do the best I can. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and a great honour to be representing my country.’

The football team reckon he can win, however. ‘I smell victory,’ said Jethro Goldsmith (16). ‘That’s what he always tells us before we go on the pitch so we’re saying that to him.’