A TEENAGE striker who failed to make it at Accrington Stanley could be set to burst into the big time.

Scouts from a host of Football League clubs have been flocking to Dark Lane this season tracking the progress of Rossendale United's 17-year-old scoring sensation Craig Sargeson.

Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and Wigan have all expressed an interest in the 16 goal hit-man who recently equalled one of the club's goalscoring records.

And Dale boss Micky Graham, the man who gave him his chance, believes he is good enough to make it.

"I've only been in management three years but he's the best young player I have handled," said Graham.

"People always look for something in a player, be it pace, skill or finishing ability.

"What Craig has got is a good first touch and a great eye for goal and that's what these teams pay money for.

"If I was involved at a professional club then I would certainly take a chance on him because there's nothing to lose and the rewards could be massive if it comes off."

Sargeson has exploded on to the scene in dramatic style.

After a six-month spell in Stanley's youth team, he moved to Dale when it became apparent he would not feature in the first team picture at the Crown.

He kicked off the season in United's youth side but Graham gave him his chance just four games into the current campaign.

Since then he hasn't looked back, scoring 16 goals, including seven in seven consecutive games, to equal a club record shared by Lol Cook (1909-10), Bob Scott (1961-62) and Ian Warburton (1975-76). But had it not been for Graham he would have been plying his trade in midfield.

"When I was at school I was a forward but I gradually dropped back into midfield as I got older," said Sargeson.

"It was only when I went to Rossendale that Micky Graham shoved me back up front. It has really taken me by surprise how well I've done.

"At the start of the season I thought I might get the odd chance as a sub in the first team but I never expected to do this well."

His goalscoring exploits earned him a contract at Dark Lane and for the time being he is happy to stay there.

But as the big boys begin to step up their interest, he may have some soul-searching to do before deciding whether or not to sign on again because he would love a crack at turning professional.

"I love it at Rossendale because the atmosphere is so good and nobody gives you any hassle.

"But I don't know, to be honest, whether I'll sign a contract again next season if it is offered because it might stop me from moving on.

"I've been told that a few clubs have been keeping an eye on me but nothing has happened yet.

"I know Wigan have come down and watched me a couple of times but they haven't spoken to me.

"And I played in a trial game for Manchester City over Christmas but nothing has come of it as yet.

"But I know I could make it if somebody would just give me the chance." Graham certainly wouldn't want to see him go.

But the Dark Lane chief will not stand in his way if a club does come in, and he even used his contacts to see what the situation was at Blackburn Rovers.

"I've spoken to a Rovers scout who said if he had been 16 rather than 17 then Rovers would have signed him up straight away," said Graham.

"But with him being that bit older he would be competing with the standards set by the likes of David Dunn and Damien Duff.

"Some people I've spoken to say he wouldn't look to out of place among the type of people playing in Rovers reserve side.

"I only hope that if he does get picked up by somebody Rossendale will benefit from it in some way."

'Dale boss Micky Graham reports no injury problems ahead of tomorrow's home game with Maine Road.

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