A FIRST clean sheet in the league has been long overdue for promising Shakers keeper Paddy Kenny who received fulsome praise from his manager and teammates alike after Saturday's victory over Wycombe.

The 22-year-old Yorkshireman has taken to first team football like a duck to water after being understudy to Dean Kiely last season.

And ayone who doubted the wisdom of giving the former UniBond League player his chance at the start of the season must be eating their words after another sterling display.

"It might have been nail-biting at times but I just couldn't see anyone getting past Paddy today," said Bury boss Neil Warnock.

"He deserved ten out of ten for that performance even though he hasn't really had any saves to make.

"You can see him growing in confidence in every match, and the fans have had a big part to play in that, they love him and he's thriving on it.

"I'm delighted to see him get his first clean sheet and it's no mean feat against Wycombe who are a good side."

Shakers skipper Nick Daws - another product of non-league football - knows all about making the step up into league soccer and can also see Kenny blossoming.

"Paddy's learning the game quickly and there's no better place to do it than in the first team," he said.

"You can play as much reserve and non-league football as you want but there's no substitute for playing in front of big crowds.

"He's going from strength to strength and long may it continue."

Player-of-the-season and central defender Chris Swailes believes Kenny will continue to develop and never doubted his ability to make the step up.

"I've always thought he was a good goalkeeper, you only have to watch him in training to see how dedicated he is," he said.

"Already this season he's pulled off some miraculous saves, notably at Notts County in the Worthington Cup.

"Understandably he didn't get a chance last season when Dean (Kiely) was here, but he's taken his chance and passed with flying colours this time.

"And more importantly he's still a young lad in goalkeeping terms so he's going to improve."

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