YOUNG Shakers defender Nicky Hill has been tipped as a star of the future - by the man who plays alongside him.

Chris Swailes was delighted after notching the winning goal last night but he was quick to praise Hill, who was starting only his third game of the season and is only in the team because Sam Collins is injured.

"He's a young lad and he's got a tremendous future," said defensive partner Swailes. "With Sam Collins getting injured he's come in and he's certainly doing his best to hang onto his position.

"I can't believe how well he's done so far and with him being left-footed he slots into that left side of the defence perfectly.

"He looks so comfortable on the pitch, he plays some tremendous balls down the lines and he looks classy, though I must admit my heart is in my mouth when he's on the ball and he does those drag backs."

Manager Andy Preece is in the Hill fan club too, though he also gets a little nervous when the defender does his Alan Hansen impressions.

"He has a lot of confidence and he does try his tricks but it has to be at the right time and in the right area. Maybe he's learned them off Redders," joked the manager.

"But he was outstanding last night, it was his best game yet and he didn't put a foot wrong."

Preece confirmed striker Paul Barnes has joined non-league Nuneaton Borough on loan until the end of the season.