A Watford teenager has helped Team England reached the semi-finals of the men's 3x3 wheelchair basketball at the Commonwealth Games.

Abderrahim Taghrest, who has been playing the sport since he was eight-years-old, was ever-present in impressive victories over South Africa and Malaysia.

Team England face Malaysia again on Monday evening in the last four with Abderrhahim dreaming of picking up a gold medal in Birmingham.

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Ahead of the games, the 18-year-old revealed how he hopes to inspire others after being inspired himself by the 2012 Paralympic Games.

Speaking ahead of the Games, Abderrahim said: "When I was seven, I had my injury, and my hospital was next door to London Titans. The physio took me down to give it a go, and I haven’t stopped playing since. I want to make my club proud. I’ve only ever played for them, so I want to make all the coaches proud because they are the reason I’ve come this far.

"When I found out I was selected, I was just immediately excited to get involved in the training camps. All of a sudden the build-up to the games was over and it all became extremely 'real'.

"There is of course a sense of pride knowing it is the first time Wheelchair Basketball has been in the Commonwealth Games, but I’m already looking to the future and hoping it stays in the Games."

Watford Observer: left to right: Team England's Men’s Wheelchair Basketball team - Lee Manning, Abderrahim Taghrest, Charlie McIntyre & Tyler Baines. Photo Credit: Sam Mellish / Team Englandleft to right: Team England's Men’s Wheelchair Basketball team - Lee Manning, Abderrahim Taghrest, Charlie McIntyre & Tyler Baines. Photo Credit: Sam Mellish / Team England

With a home crowd behind them, Team England are roaring towards success and Abderrahim is encouraging others to get into the sport.

He said: "I’d urge anyone to just get started and not be scared – you can find clubs where anyone can play on the British Wheelchair Basketball website, and even if it is your first experience of sport you’ll have a chance to participate at your own pace.

"I’m lucky to have had amazing support from my club and such a positive experience in sport – and hopefully the Commonwealth Games can be a turning point for more and more people to get involved.”

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