ACCRINGTON Stanley boss James Beattie has heaped praise on teenage keeper Andrew Dawber after he was thrust into the first team fray at the last minute – and the former England striker believes his young stopper can continue to shine at the Store First Stadium.

Dawber was called to action on Boxing Day as Stanley’s plans ahead of the game with York were thrown into confusion after Premier League Fulham recalled Marcus Bettinelli from his loan spell on Christmas Day.

That could have spelled crisis for Beattie and company and the manager admitted: “It wasn't the Christmas present I expected when I got a call from Fulham but Fulham have been excellent with us thoughout Marcus’ time at Stanley.

“We are sad to see Marcus go and we will be keeping in touch with Fulham about his future, probably on a daily basis - but I rang Dawbs on Christmas Day and told him he was playing.

“He said it was the best Christmas present he could have asked for and all the lads were pleased for Dawbs.

“He is an excellent keeper, a true professional and he played really well. He is really well liked by everyone and really talented.

“He has time on his side to get even better.

“The lads were very pleased when they knew he was playing.”

Stanley drew the match with the Minstermen 1-1 to maintain their unbeaten record over the festive period ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with Phil Brown’s Southend United.

And Beattie took plenty of positives from the trans-Pennine showdown.

“We obviously would have liked to have won the game but our defence was excellent and it was a gritty, honest display.

“We could have won it but I believe that we can win any game that we are in.

“As a unit we were excellent with good spirit once again but I have told them to stop giving the teams the early advantage.

“Overall I was very pleased with the result, the lads were slightly disappointed not to win but they stood up to York very well.”