'I am just looking for a way back' (From Watford Observer)

Watford footballer Hugo Figueiredo looking to earn a contract with Swindon Town or Leyton Orient

12:43pm Thursday 13th September 2012 in Sport

Talented Watford footballer Hugo Figueiredo believes he is "in with a chance of winning" a professional contract with a League One club.

Striker Figueiredo, 19, has been selected to take part in the first-round trials of Samsung’s nationwide Win A Pro Contract that could lead to the young footballer being handed a pro deal.

He entered the competition in a bid to sign for Paolo Di Canio’s Swindon Town or Russell Slade’s Leyton Orient.

Figueiredo said: "I’ve played football abroad as well as in England. I suffered an injury so I am just looking for a way back into the game.

"As a travelled footballer, I think I am in with a chance of winning.

"To even get a trial is great and being Portuguese I think that skill comes naturally to me. I just want to use this chance to show them how good I am."

Last year’s winner, Chris Smith, signed for Swindon in February and made his first team debut against Bradford in May.

Swindon boss Di Canio said: "The competition offers an amazing prize but it will not be an easy journey for the players.

"They will have to work very hard to earn a chance with Swindon Town."

Orient manager Slade added: "Becoming a professional footballer is a demanding process and this competition will be exactly that.

"Everyone that has made it through to the first stage of trials will need to give it their all, physically and mentally."

Win A Pro Contract hopefuls take part in national and regional trials, before the winners are chosen by Di Canio and Slade in January 2013.

To follow Hugo’s progress please go to www.facebook.com/samsungfootball.