IT has to augur well for the future at Gigg Lane when three 19-year-olds have played such a big part in the Shakers' encouraging end of season run.

Tom Kennedy, Simon Whaley and Colin Kazim-Richards have been forced into action on more occasions than manager Graham Barrow probably would have liked, but as a frustrating campaign ends on a high, all three have come through with flying colours.

The financial crisis that hit the club midway through the season has resulted in it fielding one of the youngest teams in its history.

Saturday's line-up was a good example, with the starting eleven boasting an average age of 23 years - and that includes 31-year-old Dave Flitcroft and 29-year-old Dave Challinor who are hardly in the geriatric class!

Local lad Kennedy plays in the same left back position as his father, Keith, the former Shakers' favourite of the 1970s and 1980s, and he looks like being just as reliable as his dad who played more than 400 games for the Shakers.

He clocked up his 50th appearance of the season during the 2-1 victory at Wycombe on Saturday and showed all his versatility by playing a blinder in an unaccustomed sweeper role.

"There is at least a Championship player in Tom," said Barrow.

"He did a great job in the sweeper's role on Saturday and his challenge on Steve Claridge late in the game was the tackle of the century.

"When he is under pressure he always responds and he has done superbly in the past few weeks."

Meanwhile, Bolton-born midfielder Whaley, who scored the vital equaliser at the weekend, has come on in leaps and bounds and is looking every inch a first team player, despite starting only 22 games for the Shakers.

His adaptability has been invaluable too, as he is equally at home in a number of positions, up and down the right flank or a more centralised midfield role.

"Simon has come on really well and will benefit from the games he has got under his belt this season," added Barrow.

"He has been utilised in a number of positions this year and does a great job for us."

As for Colin Kazim-Richards, he probably put in his most impressive performance to date on Saturday.

Playing a lone striking role the 'baby' of the trio - he is still a third year scholar - used all his strength and ability to lead the line like a veteran, and with a bit more luck could have added to the two goals he has to his name from his recent seven starts.

With Kennedy already signed up for next season, Barrow is keen to secure the services of Whaley and Kazim-Richards, although Championship side Leicester City are believed to be interested in taking the latter to the Walker Stadium.

"Colin was absolutely fantastic up front on Saturday," said Barrow.

"He has all the ability in the world and we'd love to sign him up for next season.

"We need to sit down with him and his advisors and see what we can do.

"If he does leave we'd have a strong case for some considerable compensation.

"But hopefully he will be with us next year, he only has to look at what happened to Dave Nugent this season to see what can happen."

Barrow reckons some of his squad members should put pen to paper on new deals in the coming week as he begins building for next season.

He is currently running the rule over young Sheffield United striker Jake Speight (19) who is likely to be released by the Bramall Lane club in the summer.

"He looks to have a lot going for him and is definitely worth a good look at," he said.