Just 16 in April, Hagi was snapped up by Sydney FC to be part of their youth league squad four months ago.

Youthful celebrity, plenty of cash for a mid-teenager and all support laid on . .

Right? Wrong.

Hagi trains with the Sydney FC squad from 9.30am-noon four days a week at Macquarie University, but there's no chauffeured existence.

He's up bright and early — he has to be — because he catches public transport to get there.

Then it's a bus back to the Hills Sports High, and a bus and train back home to St Marys.

"It's pretty difficult," he said, but he's on his L plate, though he's finding learning to drive more difficult than soccer, where he's almost off his green P-plate.

Try this for a testimonial.

"He's one of those kids you can't say a bad word about," said Hills Sports High soccer director Alen Stajcic.

"He's one of the best players to have come through the school. He's got the technique and awareness and is very dedicated and level-headed.

"I know Ian Crook ( the Sydney FC youth league coach) rates him highly. I expect he could be pushing for a first-grade spot in 12-18 months."

Hagi was given four runs with the A-league team in the pre-season, making his debut in a team missing 11 regulars in a 3-0 loss to the premier league's Sutherland Sharks, and making an impression as a replacement in a 6-0 defeat of the Parramatta Eagles.

"Coach Vitezslav Lavicka just told me to enjoy myself and play my normal game," he said.

The diminutive Hagi did, but said of playing with the bigger boys: "It was a good experience but it was a lot faster and took an adjustment".

Hagi's progression has been the classical one.

Father Tibbi was a player, so it was natural the son would be introduced to the game with St Marys Band Club.

It was natural his innate talent would be recognised, too, by Marconi and later by the Hills Sports High.

There were premierships with Marconi, there have been state Errea Cup wins with the school, and now a platform from which to aim at higher achievements.

"I've trained with the A-League players sometimes at Macquarie and they've been very good and given me help with technical things," he said.

He has all the standard likes and dreams: Lionel Messi as favourite player, Barcelona as favourite club, ambitions of A league and Young Socceroos and Socceroos guernseys.

And one immediate wish: "To stay free of injuries".