SEVENTEEN-year-old centre-back James Tunnicliffe will have learned a lot from his first full League game for County on Saturday.

The young defender had been impressing Jim Gannon in the youth and reserve sides of late, and with regulars Rob Clare and Gareth Owen unavailable due to injuries, the Hatters boss had no hesitation in throwing Tunnicliffe in for Saturdayés home 1-1 draw against Cheshire rivals Macclesfield Town.

And it was a decision vindicated for Gannon as Tunnicliffe produced an excellent performance which earned him the man-of-the-match award from the gameés sponsors.

Gannon said: "I had no fears about playing James against Macclesfield, Iéd said that both privately and publicly.

"It was a great experience for him. I donét think heés going to come up against a tougher target man than Matty McNeil, nobody bigger, nobody stronger, and nobody better at holding the ball up and bringing others into play.

"It was a great test for James, and he stood up to it. Iém delighted that he got the nod from the sponsors.

"Iém also delighted that it was his header that went on to lead to our goal. Heéll learn a lot from Saturdayés experience."

Tunnicliffe, who had a trial with Liverpool last winter, signed a two-year County deal on the eve of the current season. His only other County appearance came as a substitute in last seasonés 2-0 league defeat at Notts County.

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