BURY FC could just have discovered the next Paddy Kenny according to respected goalkeeping coach Dave Felgate.

Former Bolton Wanderers and Welsh international keeper Felgate believes Stalybridge Celtic's Craig Dootson, who has agreed terms with the Shakers, can go all the way in the game and emulate the likes of Paddy Kenny and even his countryman Neville Southall.

The 25-year-old was player-of-the-year at Bower Fold last season and is expected to put pen to paper on his first professional contract in a matter of days.

But according to Felgate, who is in charge of the young goalkeepers in Manchester City's Academy set-up, the signing of the highly-rated shotstopper isn't a gamble on Graham Barrow's part.

Indeed, he sees Chorley-based Dootson, a former junior at Preston North End, as something of an investment for the Gigg Lane club.

"Craig has got everything, a good presence, bravery, great hands and can kick and throw superbly," he explained.

"I've known him for years and have said all along that a league club should have picked him up by now.

"Most of all he has a hunger and desire to do well and thats what a lot of goalkeepers in the league lack.

"He's been waiting a long time for an opportunity like this and I'm sure he'll take his chance when it comes along.

"There are parallels with what Paddy Kenny has done since moving to Bury from Bradford Park Avenue.

"If he takes on board what people tell him the sky is the limit for him as far as I am concerned."

Kenny never looked back after replacing Dean Kiely in the Bury goal following his fellow Irishman's £1 million move to Charlton Athletic in 1999.

And now, after three years in the first team at Bramall Lane, rumours are rife that he too could be set for a move into the top flight and earn the Shakers a lucrative sell-on fee.

Barrow has already told Dootson that when he signs another full-time keeper it will be up to each of them to vie for the first team slot by impressing during the pre-season friendlies.

And that's something that won't faze him, reckons Felgate.

"There's no way Craig will be frightened of the challenge," he added.

"He commands his box and won't be afraid to let the senior professionals in the defence what he wants them to do.

"I've known him for years and told him long ago that someone should have taken a chance on him, but he's even older and wiser now.

"A lot of credit should go to Ian Senior who coaches with me in our goalkeeping school at Bolton.

"He has worked a lot with Craig and deserves a pat on the back for bringing him on so well."

Now aged 45, Felgate has just finished a season with Bacup Boro in the North West Counties League but is unsure about how much longer he can continue playing.

But the popular coach is now looking at sharing his vast experience in the long term and is thoroughly enjoying his work with the City youngsters.

"I have a great opportunity to create something for myself at City now and its something Ive strived to do," he said.

"And there would be no problem if Craig came down to City to work with me during the season either."