BACUP manager Brent Peters reckons he's got the next Rio Ferdinand at West View.

Not that he's putting too much pressure on defender Darren Esdale!

"Darren is a real gem. It may sound like daft talk but this lad is a Rio Ferdinand type of player and can play at a lot higher level.

"Rio Ferdinand went to Leeds for £18m and I firmly believe I have the next Rio Ferdinand here," said the Bacup boss who will be looking for his defender to keep the Darwen strikers quiet in the NWCL Division Two clash at the Anchor Ground tomorrow.

It's high talk indeed but Esdale is willing to go along with his manager's thinking as long as it attracts the scouts to Bacup -- and gives him a chance to break back into professional football.

"Brent has said that and I guess it puts a bit of pressure on," said the 26-year-old, who looks back with some regret on the professional chance he threw away.

"I was part of Bury youth team and then I joined Doncaster Rovers in the league, played over 50 games for them, and was there when they got relegated into the Conference.

"They offered me a new two year contract but I turned it down as I was trying to stay in the league. Looking back, sometimes I think I should have signed. "I took it all for granted, the professional lifestyle and it's only when it's taken away that you realise what you had," admitted Esdale, who is playing a sweeper role for Bacup but can play anywhere on the right.

"I was injured for two months during that summer, was asked to go on trials but couldn't go on any and so I missed my chance.

"Hyde United in the UniBond League signed me, but again I got an injury, spent a lot of time on the bench but my mind wasn't on it. I think, after not finding a pro club, I became disillusioned with the game."

He continued: "Brent then rang me to offer me regular football and I decided to join him. I know him from Bury and Doncaster, knew he was a good coach and he has helped me refocus and realise that I may be able to get back into the pro game.

"Brent does build me up but I do find it easy at this level and I think that is why I am perhaps standing out.

"People say scouts come to watch and I am just hoping one comes, sees me and I get another chance as a professional."

Peters is aware that he may lose his main man soon -- but he still can't heap enough praise on Esdale. "Darren has vision and passing, ability and is strong in the challenge.

"I could be shooting myself in the foot as it will bring him to people's attention but he does it himself on the pitch," he added.

Wayne McKenzie and David Easdale will miss the trip to the Anchor Ground while Scott Gilchrist is rated as 50/50.

Phil Rose and David Barnes are back in the Darwen squad after returning from holiday.