PREMIERSHIP manager and former football star David O'Leary talked about his career to young people in Trowbridge.

The Aston Villa manager was at the Amber Centre at Bythesea Road to talk about his personal and professional achievements.

He said: "You just have to go for it. Believe in yourself and set yourself a goal and you will surely achieve it.

"I am really impressed by the positive attitude of everyone here and their determination to achieve their goals." Mr O'Leary talked about his famous winning penalty kick for Eire when they won through to the last eight in the 1990 World Cup in Italy.

He also talked to the young people about his pride at holding the all-time record of 722 first-team appearances for Arsenal. The Amber Foundation helps unemployed young people to overcome personal barriers and achieve the skills, confidence and self-esteem they need to find work, accommodation and independent living.

The emphasis is on getting a job or a place at college and finding stable accommodation, with a program of training and activities to help them achieve their goals. Amber celebrated its 10th anniversary last year and in that time over 600 young people, 74 per cent of those who have taken part in the programme, have left with a job or college place or achieved other personal goals to allow them to lead a normal life.