ALLOA'S snooker hot shot Eden Sharav is hoping to make it on to the professional circuit in a baize of glory next week.

The 18-year-old travels to Malta this weekend to take part in the week long European Under-21 Championships knowing a victory would enable him to turn pro.

He told the Advertiser, "I'm confident about it and I'm playing well just now.

"Some of the best folk in Europe will be there. I have played in a few international tournaments and it is not something I am too nervous about." Eden added, "I will hopefully be able to turn pro soon. You have to play in the qualification events and with the Malta tournament the winner can turn pro." The former Alloa Academy pupil doesn't have to worry about whether or not he can compete with the game's big guns.

As Scotland's top under-19 player he trains regularly with world number one John Higgins and other top Scots Alan McManus, Marcus Campbell and Stephen Maguire.

Eden said, "Training with them is really good, it is improving my game a lot and I know that if I give them a chance they will punish me.

"When I first started playing with them I was nervous but I am fine now. They give me encouragement and the times where I have beaten them it feels great." Alan Craig, a director of Caledonian Snooker, knows Eden well and is confident he has what it takes to make it in the professional game.

Mr Craig said, "When Eden gets on the snooker table I think the only thing in his head is pocketing the balls. He is totally dedicated and never away from the table.

"When he is playing nothing seems to affect him. There could be a world war going on and he would walk in and do a 133 break.

"One of his strengths is his touch around the table.

"He has even been nicknamed Eden 'The Touch' Sharav by some of the players." He added, "Eden is one of three or four players we have high hopes for. Players like John (Higgins), Alan (McManus) and Marcus (Campbell) help Scottish Snooker out a lot by allowing our top players to practice with them. The reports coming back are that they all rate him." Any businesses who would like to sponsor Eden are invited to contact Scottish Snooker on 0131 337 0966 or email scottishsnooker@googlemail.com