A book which tells the tale of a former Academy player who played alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher but didn't make it professionally is up for a top award.

With a special foreword by Jamie Carragher, Mike Yates tells his story of what it was like trying to become a professional footballer at Liverpool's Academy.

He reveals his highs and lows and how he bounced back from not making it alongside Gerrard and Michael Owen.

Mike now works for the Liverpool FC Soccer Schools team and his book, titled 'Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen and Me' is up for nomination at the prestigious British Sports Book awards at a ceremony in Lord's cricket ground, London, on Wednesday night.

Mike's book is entered in the new writer of the year category.

Commenting on the book, Reds skipper Gerrard said: "Yatesy's true story gives an entertaining insider's view of the life of a young footballer and it does a great job of describing the many ups and the downs of the game.

"Anybody interested in football will enjoy this book. Young players and their parents should really make a point of reading it because it is full of valuable advice, all based on actual personal experience at the top level."

Click here to buy the book from the Official LFC Online Store.