MARK Gardiner has underlined his commitment to Northwich Vics' youth policy by handing England Schools striker Gary Fletcher his first team debut.

The 17-year-old won a place on the bench for last night's Conference clash against champions Cheltenham after scoring seven goals in five youth team matches.

"I'm made up," admitted the teenage marksman. "I found out on Monday so it hit me then. I've been training with the first team but I was still a bit shocked.

"I want to gain a first team place on a regular basis. But I'm only young so I'm just looking to get as much experience as possible."

Gardiner selected Fletcher ahead of himself for last night's game, partly because he only had two regular strikers available but mainly to see how the promising youngster handled the big match occasion.

"Hopefully he'll like it and want a lot more," said Gardiner. "We'll try and see what he can do now and in pre-season."

Fletcher was one of three youth players to sign Conference forms last month. But he's the first youngster this season to make it all the way to the first team.

His call up marks Gardiner's efforts to increase the number of playing opportunities at The Drill Field. Since taking over the mangerial reins he has also applied to field a reserve side in the Lancashire League, alongside Macclesfield, Morecambe and Stockport. The fate of the application should be known soon.

"If we're going to run a squad of 18 or 19 players we need to have some football for them all to play," he said.

"Fielding a reserve side would be a progression for the club. You need it to promote local interest and stop decent local lads joining other clubs. You might even pick up some good youngsters before league clubs get to them."

Gardiner's approach is particularly refreshing for youth team manager Ted Carthy.

"We're highly delighted that Gary has made it to the first team," he said. "We're more thrilled about developing lads that can play in the Conference than winning trophies."

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