SHAKERS youth team stars Aaron Grundy and Damien Quigley have been offered professional deals at the end of the current season.

Bolton-born goalkeeper Grundy, who attended Canon Slade School, and midfielder Damien Quigley, who was born in Rochdale and attended Tottington High School have reached the fringes of the first team squad, with midfielder Quigley making three substitute appearances at senior level and goalkeeper Grundy coming off the bench twice.

The length and terms of the contracts have yet to be determined, but the decision to offer deals to the 18-year olds shows Chris Casper's long term aspiration to promote both of his former youth team starlets into the first team frame.

Casper revealed: "They've both featured in the first team this season and done very well so it's only right that they get a chance to see how they can do as professionals.

"Both have progressed very well as scholars over the last two years so this now gives them a chance to show us what they can do. We're certainly pleased to be able to give them that opportunity."

Youth team manager Chris Beech was delighted to see both players receive suitable reward for their efforts in the scholarship programme, following on from the earlier success of their contemporaries Nicky Adams and Andy Parrish who have already settled into first team life this season. He commented: "It's another testament to the quality of players we're continually producing, and it gives a great sense of fulfillment to everyone here to see them attaining professional contracts.

"Both players deserve to be where they are and we hope they go on to achieve great things with Bury."