Oxford City’s Brazilian-born footballer Felipe Barcelos has not given up hope of playing professionally – despite missing out on a pre-season friendly for Premier League side Fulham.

Barcelos, 19, from Cowley, had a remarkable first season for City, making his debut in January, scoring seven goals in 11 appearances to help secure his side’s Southern League Premier Division status.

And his eye-catching performances saw him spend four days with Fulham, as well as three days with Championship side Reading – but not before City had signed him on a two-and-a-half year contract.

Newcastle United also showed interest.

Such was his impression at Fulham that he was originally invited to play a pre-season friendly for them.

But his cause was not helped by Martin Jol replacing Mark Hughes as manager in the summer, and nothing further came of it.

“It went really well at Fulham,” said Barcelos, who didn’t play an 11-a-side game until three years ago.

“I really enjoyed it and did well.

“My dream is to play professional football, but I want to make sure I concentrate on having a good season with City.”

Barcelos had been playing for Oxford City Nomads in the Hellenic League, but boss Mike Ford drafted him into the first team due to a striker shortage and he flourished.

“It was a crazy season,” he said. “I went from playing for Nomads to being in the first team.

“I have learned a lot since I was 16. I want to keep on learning and hopefully play at the highest level.”

But what made Barcelos make the 5,000-mile plus journey to Britain?

Barcelos, who is studying for a BTEC coaching diploma as part of a two-year football apprenticeship at Oxford City, explained: “My mum was working here and wanted me to get a proper education, so I came here.

“The school I went to didn’t play much football, it was mainly indoors, and it wasn’t until I joined City that I played in my first 11-a-side game.

“I did really well for the youth team and got 40 goals in my first season and 30 in the next.”

Ford says clubs with ambitions of signing the pacy frontman would have to fork out alot of money in compensation.

“Felipe’s had the experience of training with Fulham and has spent some time at Reading,” said the City manager.

“Any club who takes an interest in him will have to pay out a lot of money to sign him.

“But I would much prefer him to be playing for my team when we start again next season.”