FORMER teachers have spoken of their pride after Barrovian Ben Davies completed a dream move to Premier League champions Liverpool.

Preston North End player Ben, who formerly played for junior side Furness Rovers signed for Liverpool on the final day of the January transfer window in English football.

On transfer deadline day, the 25-year-old left Championship side North End to sign for the Merseyside club in a move which appeared to come out of the blue.

Ben had joined Preston as an 11-year-old after being spotted playing for Furness Rovers.

Injuries to centre-backs Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip as well as stand-in centre-back Fabinho, have forced the reigning champions into the transfer market and they landed on Ben as the man to solve their issues.

The defender’s contract with Preston was due to expire this summer and he had been linked with moves away from Deepdale.

Both Sheffield United and Celtic were touted as potential suitors, but the Barrow-born defender decided to move to Anfield.

He will now be hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow Barrovian Emlyn Hughes and embark on a successful career with the famous club.

Jenny Redhead, who taught Ben at Roose Community Primary School, said: “We are really pleased and proud of Ben’s achievements.

"He was always dedicated and hardworking while he was at school and has set a really good example to our pupils.”

Ben's new boss, Jurgen Klopp said: "We were always looking all over, in each league in Europe and when I saw Ben it was really interesting.

"We watched him in a lot of games and saw he is a really good footballer.

"I was a second division player myself and we all dreamt of playing in the first league.

"Ben did that as well and now it is a big opportunity for both sides.

"I am a big believer in opportunities and taking chances.

"Ben sees it the same way."