STANLEY boss John Coleman said the form of Ross Sykes in pre-season means he is no longer looking to bring in two centre backs.

Teenager Sykes has penned a new two-year contract with the option of a third season and has impressed in pre-season outings against Huddersfield Town and Hyde United.

The 19-year-old from Burnley is expected to be in the Stanley squad for Saturday's pre-season clash against Middlesbrough and his summer work has not gone unnoticed by Coleman.

The Reds chief said: "I was really impressed with Ross in pre-season, his fitness work has been very good and he has been good on the ball in training.

"He had a smashing game against Huddersfield and it was a polished performance against Hyde. He is heading in the right direction.

"I was looking for two centre halves but, with the form of Ross, I may only now bring in one which is a big boost.

"It would be great to get a local lad in the team as we haven't had that for a while."

And Sykes himself said he had approached pre-season with a view to making an impression on the Stanley management as he bids to make the transition from promising youngster to first team regular.

With Mark Hughes firmly established at centre back in Coleman's XI, Sykes will be bidding to partner the experienced defender and fill the void left by Jimmy Dunne's return to Burnley following a loan spell at the Wham Stadium last term.

"I have been working hard," said Sykes, who was at Burnley's Academy until he was 13 and then impressed in a trial at Stanley.

"I was running on the beach, I have been going to the gym and I have come back sharper. I was determined to be in the best condition I can be as I want to step up to the first team this season.

"I was pleased with my performance against Huddersfield and Hyde - both were different games - but I felt I acquitted myself well.

"My big thing now is to be more vocal on the pitch but I think that will come with confidence. It's good to have a longer term contract as I feel more settled."

Sykes made his Reds debut in the Checkatrade Trophy in 2016 and came on twice as a substitute during last season's League Two title-winning season.

"I want to get a start in the league, that's my first aim," the youngster added.