The young stars ready to take world sport by storm in 2014

(Or: five names to drop in the pub when you want to impress your friends)

WITH A WINTER Olympics, a FIFA World Cup and a Ryder Cup coming up in 2014, there will be plenty of chances for sport’s bright young things to introduce themselves to the wider world.

These are the kids in their teens and early twenties that hardcore fans have been harping on about forever; now it’s their time to shine.

Here are five from around the world that you need to keep an eye on.

The young stars ready to take world sport by storm in 2014

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Mikaela Shiffrin
What do you mean you don't watch Alpine skiing? Once the Winter Olympics start, expect to hear a lot about 18-year-old US star Michaela Shiffrin. She won slalom gold at the World Alpine Championships in 2013, becoming the sport's youngest world champion in more than 25 years. A genuine gold medal contender in Sochi.Source: AP/Press Association Images
Sam Cane
Rugby fans will be familiar with Sam Cane from his performances with the Chiefs and with the All Blacks. The 21-year-old has shown that he is more than comfortable in the back row and 2014 could be the year when he fully steps out of Richie McCaw's shadow.Source: ©INPHO/Photosport/Simon Watts
Teddy Bridgewater
Is Teddy Bridgewater about to become the NFL's newest star? The Louisville quarterback showed himself to be a class apart in the college game and will be one of the top picks of the 2014 draft. That's no guarantee of success but Bridgewater, 21, has the ability to make it big.Source: Chris O'Meara
Zakaria Bakkali
Some youngster is going to make a name for himself at the World Cup and it might just be Zakaria Bakkali. Bakkali is still only 17 but 'the new Hazard' has already been linked to both Manchester United and Manchester City. With Belgium set to be fan-favourites in Brazil, the PSV winger could have a tournament to remember.Source: Press Association Images
Jordan Speith
20-year-old Jordan Speith was PGA Tour Rookie of the Year in 2013 and will have plenty of chances to build on that success. He finished the year 22nd in the world so don't be surprised if he's a thorn in Europe's side at the Ryder Cup in Gleneagles.Source: AP/Press Association Images