HE IS more at home on a Premier League football pitch but Hampshire-born footballer Danny Ings is turning his attention to a different kind of stage.

The 24-year-old Liverpool striker has put his weight behind the latest production by the Romsey Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society.

Danny is sponsoring the company’s next production, Look No Hans, at the Plaza Theatre in support of his uncle Wayne Ings – who happens to be the show director.

In a special message to the audience which will feature in the programme, Danny compares his passion for football with his uncle’s love of the theatre.

He writes: “I was born and raised in Southampton where I started to progress as a footballer, it was like a religion in my family.

"However, my uncle Wayne (the director of this show), who has always supported my progression, is more passionate about performing on stage – which he is very talented at.”

Danny also talks about his charity work with The Danny Ings Disability Sport Project, which he set up two years ago and which works with around 600 children and adults each week.

Danny, who grew up in Netley, is hoping to cement his place in the Liverpool squad after a knee injury hampered his progress last season.

Mr Ings said the family were very proud of Danny’s achievements and said that the footballer was equally as supportive of the rest of the family.

He said: “He has always been very generous and supportive of what I have done in theatre and tried to come and see me if his schedule allowed.

“He was joking around saying he should give it a go himself but said he would be more than happy to sponsor this show.”

Mr Ings said Danny was hoping to catch a performance of Look No Hans during the run.

The fun-filled farce features spies, mistaken identities and mishaps and follows the fortunes of Peter Fisher who runs the Berlin office of a British car company and doubles as a secret agent.

Mr Ings, 51, from Sarisbury Green, who was bitten by the acting bug in 1984 and has since performed and directed a host of roles and productions, said the cast had been working hard to keep up the pace of the play but were on track to deliver a smashing production.

“It is not so well known this play, but I guarantee that if you come along you will love it", he said.

The first night is September 13 and the show runs until September 17. Tickets £12 from www.plazatheatre.com or from the Romsey Tourist Information Centre on 01794 512987.