Katie lets feet do the talking

KNEESY DOES IT . . . Manchester United and England footballer Katie Zelem

WHEN mums say their daughters are grounded, it usually means keeping the youngster away from her friends for a few weeks.

Luckily for footballer Katie Zelem, proud parent Gillian was simply pointing out that the Manchester United and England star’s feet will stay firmly on the floor after another fantastic year.

The Blue Coat pupil (14) scored the winner for England under-15 team in a 2-1 victory over Republic of Ireland, and found the net again in a repeat fixture, which ended 2-2.

The friendlies were held at Loughborough University — and Katie, nominated for a Pride in Oldham award in the sports performer category, certainly taught her opponents a few lessons.

It came hot on the heels of a tour of Holland, where Katie was part of an 18-strong England squad which played two matches in Zwolle.

“She performed really well and scoring the winner in the first friendly was an added bonus,” said Gillian.

“You cannot put a price on the experience Katie gains every time she hooks up with the England set-up.

“She enjoys testing herself and learns a lot when she represents her country, but she will remain grounded and keep her feet on the floor.

“Even when she scores a goal, we just see a quick smile and then it is business as usual!”

Katie played alongside the boys at Failsworth Dynamos before joining Manchester United’s centre of excellence at the age of nine.

She now plays her club football for the Red Devils’ Foundation side.

Her sporting endeavours were almost inevitable — dad Alan was a goalkeeper for Macclesfield, her uncle Peter turned out for Wolves, Preston, Burnley and Chester City, and cousin Ross plays cricket for Lancashire and football for Oldham schools.

Gillian added: “The main thing is, Katie still gets the same kick out of playing football as she always did.

“She plays in the centre of midfield for United, but England use her in a slightly more advanced role these days. She is happy doing either job.

“Katie wants to go all the way to the top by winning full England honours.

“The next step is trying to get into the under-17s squad, for which she is eligible in January, when she turns 15.”