SHAKERS boss Andy Preece is running the rule over New Zealand striker Noah Hickey.

The Kiwi international is currently on trial at Gigg Lane and is keen to get fixed up with an English club after leaving Finnish side Tampere United with whom he played in Europe.

Hickey also displayed his talents in this summer's Confederations Cup in France and featured in his country's recent 1-1 draw against Scotland.

Last year he spent some time with First Division Watford but despite impressing, the Vicarage Road outfit were unable to offer him terms.

He also had an unsuccessful trial with Hull City in 2001 and Norwegian side Bryne last March.

The Norwegians were also impressed with Hickey but unable to sign him as they already had their quota of non-European Union players.

"Noah's been training with us and we are having a good look at him in practice games," explained Preece.

"He has played Champions League soccer in Scandinavia and he's done well from what I've seen.

"It's just a case of assessing how he would fit in the team, we need to look at everything.

"Would he suit our style of play? Could he do more than one job? Could he go straight into the team?

"A lot needs to be taken into consideration."

Born in Auckland, Hickey was voted New Zealand Young Player of the Season in 1998 and made his name with top Kiwi outfits Central United and Kingz FC.

As well as up front the man known to his fans as 'Hicksta' can also play wide midfield, as a wing-back or sweeper.