WHEN it comes down to pedigree, Darwen's talented teenager Michael Douglas could hardly have come from better stock.

The 19-year-old wing-man is the grandson of former Blackburn Rovers legend Bryan Douglas, but after recent performances for the Anchormen he's now starting to forge a formidable reputation in his own right.

Douglas Jnr was voted the North Western Trains League Second Division's player of the month earlier this week.

And to underline his growing potential, he scored one of Darwen's goals in their epic Lancashire ATS Trophy final clash with Nationwide Conference giants Morecambe on Tuesday night.

His manager Steve Wilkes is convinced he can play at a higher level and, though he doesn't want to lose his midfield playmaker, he wouldn't stand in his way if the chance came to move on.

"He deserves the chance to play at a higher level and I wouldn't stop him if someone came in with an offer.

"When he first came to the club, he picked up a lot of bookings and really struggled with his discipline.

"But he's come on in leaps and bounds in the last few months and he's tightened up that aspect of his game.

"Under no circumstances do I want to lose the lad.

"But I know what it's like to be a young player and I wouldn't have wanted people holding me back when I was that age."

Douglas's rise to prominence is all the more remarkable considering he was playing for Griffin Celtic in the Blackburn Combination just six months ago.

After a brief spell in Accrington Stanley's Reserves several seasons back, he joined West Lancs League outfit Fenniscowles, before signing for Great Harwood last year.

But things didn't quite go to plan at The Showground, he quickly became frustrated, and slipped back into local football with Celtic. "I was going to games while I was at Harwood, some of which were quite far away, and I wasn't even getting changed," said Douglas.

"I lost a bit of interest after that and ended up playing for Griffin instead."

But Harwood's loss soon became Wilkes's gain and both Douglas and Darwen have not looked back since.

The 19-year-old has added some much needed craft to the Anchormen's midfield but it's his handy knack of scoring vital goals which proved instrumental in Darwen's magnificent cup run.

A brace against Southport in the semi finals and another against the Shrimps on Tuesday night proves he can mix it with the best.

And he certainly holds no fears about stepping up a couple of rungs in the non-League ladder.

"I don't know if some of them were being a bit complacent or not but looking at the Morecambe players the other night I think I could hold my own against them.

"And some of them are being paid silly money!

"At the moment, I'm happy at Darwen. It's a good club, the lads are great and it's just down the road.

"But I do want to try and test myself at the highest level possible although it's a big commitment because of all the extra travelling." Meanwhile, Wilkes himself is sure to be a target for other clubs in the summer. The 31-year-old Preston postman has put himself in the shop window after masterminding Darwen's first ATS Trophy final appearnce since the 70s in only his second season in management. And if a club from a higher league did decide to make him an offer, he admits he'd have to consider it.

"If someone came in then I'd definitely think about it.

"I'm ambitious and I want to test myself at a higher level if I possibly can.

"I'm still young and I'm still learning but I believe I've got something to offer."

The Anchormen turn their attentions back to the league tomorrow when Maghull are the visitors and Wilkes must raise morale quickly if they are to finish the season with a flourish.

Neil Cordingley is definitely ruled out and some of the more senior players may also be rested.

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