FOOTBALL crazy John Barnes - yes that’s his real name - is just hours away from fulfilling his lifelong goal.

But he needs your help to make his dream come true - before midnight on Thursday, February 13.

John, aged 26, hopes to win the chance of a lifetime and train with Real Madrid in the famous Bernabeu Stadium.

He has already beaten 1,400 contestants across the world and is the only UK contestant in the top 10 competing in the Movistar Real Madrid Challenge.

Liverpool fan, John, of Hallwood Park, Runcorn, known to his friends as Peanut, said: “I have been overwhelmed with the support I’ve received . I’ve even got people in Australia and Hong Kong behind me.

“I am battling against people from Venezuela and Colombia. I’m currently number two.”

He said his dad, Philip is a big reds fan.

John said: “John Barnes wasn’t at Liverpool when I was born but he turned out to be a true legend. I have tweeted him.”

Goalie John, a former St Chad’s pupil, has played for lots of local football teams including The Jolly Brewer, Tricorn, Burma, Quayside and Eight Towers in Widnes.

He is a sales adviser at the 02 call centre in Preston Brook and lives with his partner, Jackie Conlan, aged 33, and daughter, Courtenee.

John added: “I haven’t slept for three nights. I’m spending 14 hours on Facebook and Twitter.”

To support John, visit www.movistarrealchallenge.com/employees/ranking.

It will ask you for your e-mail address. You will then be invited to insert a verification code. You will receive an e-mail to confirm your vote has been successful.