SHAKERS wonderkid Chris Armstrong has signed a new contract for the Gigg Lane club.

The 18-year-old full-back finally put pen to paper after weeks of negotiations and that's news that will thrill Bury FC fans.

Armstrong, brother of former Shakers Gordon, now at Burnley, has been a revelation since making the left-back slot his own since the turn of the year.

He is already being watched by a host of Premiership clubs and his signing will kill once and for all the rumour circulating the town that he was about to join his older sibling at Turf Moor.

Also pledging his allegiance to the Shakers cause is another of the club's highly promising youngsters, Nicky Hill.

Stylish, central defender Hill has signed an extension to his contract while Armstrong's is his first full professional deal.

Meanwhile another young star Jason Jarrett is expected to put his name to a contract that will keep his at his home town club for an extended stay.

"It's excellent news, they both want to play for me and Bury Football Club and that's the most important thing," said boss Andy Preece.

"There was a lot of talk about Chris moving elsewhere but that's what it was - talk. He is happy where he is.

"He is going to be a top class player and the same goes for Nicky.

"They are both better off playing here and getting first team football rather than go to another club and languish in the reserves - or not even that.

"We're pleased that they have signed and I'm sure the fans will be delighted too."

All three players are in tomorrow's squad for the visit of struggling Swansea City (3pm).

The Swans, managed by former Chelsea ace John Hollins, suffered a sickening result in midweek when they conceded two goals in the last two minutes to lose 2-1 at Northampton.

"They will be on a downer after something like that," added Preece. "But they'll want to put it right and we must be on our guard.

"If we can grab an early goal then their confidence will probably drain away so we must prepare ourselves because it won't be an easy game with them battling for points."

Central defender Danny Swailes is likely to be out for a further two weeks as his bruised ankle picked up at Walsall is still troubling him.

BURY are running the rule over 17-year-old full-back Cedric Itonga who has been training with the youth team under Andy Feeley.

The Zaire born youngster has recently been released by Arsenal and progressed through the youth ranks at Highbury.