MARK Hughes has backed Ross Sykes to be a hit at Stanley – as long as he doesn’t take the 31-year-old’s place in the team!

Sykes has impressed in his pre-season outings so far, scoring the winner in the victory over Championship campaigners Middlesbrough last weekend putting in a man of the match display in the 3-0 success against Premier League side Huddersfield.

The Burnley born teenager, who has come through the ranks at the Wham Stadium, will be hoping to feature in Saturday’s final friendly of the summer when Blackburn visit and in the League One clash at home to Gillingham next week.

And Hughes, who like Sykes has penned a new contract at the club over the summer, believes there is every chance the 19-year-old could be in the starting XI come the season opener.

“We are all here to fight for shirts and Ross will want one,” said Hughes, who was named in the League Two team of the season last year.

“He is only 19 and plays with an old head on his shoulders and he has got a chance to be in the team and pushing for a place. He will certainly be in the manager’s mind.

“He has come back looking sharp.

“He is a fit lad and is willing to learn and has the right attitude and it will stand him in good stead.

“Hopefully he doesn’t take my shirt but if he does through the way he is playing then fair enough!”

Hughes was impressed with Sykes’ display in the pre-season win over the Terriers earlier in the summer and believes that will help the youngster’s confidence moving forward, with Sykes’ willingness to take on board information another positive attribute for the one-time Burnley youth player.

“The good thing about Ross is that he wants to learn,” Hughes added. “He is a good age and a good size. He plays in my position and he asks questions. Even though he is quite quiet he will speak to you and ask a few things.

“He has played a few games and he knows he can do it against the best, and that will only build his confidence.

“What he probably has to get into the game is to be a bit more vocal but that will come with age.

“He has come back as good as anyone. He wants a shot at it and he is certainly good enough to play for Accrington.

“He has got all the attributes to impress and succeed at Accrington or wherever.”