THE SILKMEN’S two-goal hero has had a busy start to his senior career, playing across the back-line and helping out in attack too.

Shaun Brisley has had just seven games so far, but has impressed team-mates, manager, back-room staff and supporters at the Moss Rose.

The 17-year-old has appeared at left-back, centre-back, right wing-back and, as part of his apprenticeship, has also been a sweeper - wielding the broom in the dressing room after matches.

There is little doubt that Brisley is in the right place to nurture his talents.

Macclesfield Town has one of the finest academies around and, in Keith Alexander, a manager prepared to give youngsters a chance in the first team. The former Ivy Bank and Henbury High School pupil, who still lives in the Henbury area, remembers standing on the Moss Rose terrace with his dad as a boy.

"I played in a Football in the Community game and was offered a trial," he said. "Then I made it through the Under-13 to Under-16 teams and into the youth team. I’m doing alright at the minute, the manager’s given me a chance so I must have impressed him in training. It was a shock when he first put me in the team, because I’d never even been in the 16 before. I know I’ve still got my jobs to do after matches, so I won’t get carried away."

Brisley scored both of Macc’s goals in Saturday’s victory against Accrington Stanley and, but for a misplaced shot late in the game, could have claimed a remarkable hat-trick.

"I must have only scored about four goals during my time in the youth teams so I don’t get many. I know I’ve never had two in a game before, so I was pleased with that. I was a bit nervous in my first few matches and I think it showed late on in games, but I’m over that now.I couldn’t have asked for a better chance in football and, to be honest, I don’t want the season to end now. I’m really enjoying playing at Macc and doing my best to help us stay up. It’s looking a bit more decent now because it’s in our hands and it’s only us that can give it away.

"We can stay up and we’ve got a good enough squad to do well next season."