The winger is the grandson of former Burnley legend John Connelly, who was part of England’s triumphant 1966 World Cup-winning squad who also won the League championship with both the Clarets and Manchester United.

Connelly, 17, joins the Blues after playing last season for West Lancashire League side Fulwood Amateurs.

And he makes the step up to NPL level after also playing under new Clitheroe boss Phil Brown, who is head of football at Myerscough College.

“Jake’s an exciting prospect,” Brown told http://www.clitheroefc.co.uk. “We’ve worked with him closely at Myerscough College this year and watched him grow and flourish at the weekend under the guidance of a brilliant manager in Tony Hesketh at Fulwood Amateurs.

“Jake has a lot of potential and I think he’ll thrive now he’s been given the opportunity to play for his hometown club.

“Although it’s a big step up for him, I see no reason why he can’t continue to progress at Clitheroe.

“He plays off the left, he is strong and direct and a player the fans will like and can also play as a central striker, giving us that versatility if required.”

Connelly's signing follows the capture of former Morecambe and Bristol Rovers midfielder Craig Stanley as Brown puts together a blend of youth experience in a bid to transform Clitheroe's fortunes.

As well as four international caps, the former England C captain also brings to Shawbridge a twice National League play-off winning pedigree and almost 200 Football League appearances after agreeing terms to join the Blues.

Stanley, who plays in midfield or in a defensive position, signs after ending a Southern League Central title-winning season with Kettering Town.

Stanley won back-to-back promotions from the National League with Hereford United and then Morecambe, where he launched a League career that also included spells with Bristol Rovers and Aldershot Town.

He returned to non-League football with Lincoln City in 2015 as the Imps started their climb back towards the Football League.

And after initially returning to the North West with Southport, on loan, and Lancaster City, Stanley is back in Lancashire to provide valuable know-how to the squad new boss Brown is building for the start of the season.

 Brown, who also previously signed the Nuneaton-born 36-year-old during his time in charge of Lancaster, said: “Craig has good quality and as you’d expect of a player with his experience an excellent understanding of the game.

“He displays a high level of professionalism which the squad will benefit from. His leadership qualities are also excellent, and these will be a massive help to all the players.

“He can play in a variety of positions across the back or in midfield and is an excellent signing for us”.