NO pressure will be put on Bury's wonderkid Chris Armstrong to sign a new contract.

The Shakers are determined not to rush the 18-year-old into making a decision though they are extremely keen for him to put pen to paper and tie himself to the Gigg Lane club on a long-term basis.

Armstrong, whose current contract expires at the end of the season, is already attracting attention from clubs throughout the country after making a sensational impact in just a handful of first team games.

And anyone doubting his ability only had to watch Saturday's 3-1 win over Oxford to see his potential.

Stretch, as he's known to his team-mates, was superb, deservedly winning the Man of the Match award and capping his lung-bursting display with a peach of a goal.

He was offered a two-year extension to his current contract three weeks ago but has yet to sign.

"As manager I'm very keen for him to accept the contract and get him signed on a long-term basis but we aren't going to rush him into anything," said manager Andy Preece.

"He has done superbly since he came into the side and even though he's only 18 he's got everything. It's only natural that other clubs will be looking at him. We haven't had any contact from anyone yet but we probably will do.

"I'll speak to Stretch again this week, as well as the other two lads (Jason Jarrett and Nicky Hill have also been offered contract extensions) and hopefully we can tie everything up in the next fortnight, though these things are never easy."

Confident

Tonight the Shakers face a tough trip to Colchester attempting to win their fourth match in a row.

"We go out with the aim of winning every match but 0-0 tonight and getting a point would not be a disaster," he said. "It's a difficult match and a long journey down but we are very confident at the moment and looking forward to the game."

Preece was delighted with Saturday's performance but he's unlikely to stick with the same team.

Club captain Nick Daws will be back from suspension and will replace either Jason Jarrett or Martyn Forrest.

The rest of the team is likely to stay the same, though Colin Cramb may be sweating on a place in the starting eleven after Preece came off the bench to replace him on Saturday and produced a cameo performance.