YOUTH director Gerry Murphy today spoke of his pride in Town's Academy and their latest big-hit product John McAliskey.

Murphy watched as the 19-year-old striker completed a triumph over adversity with his debut double to down Scunthorpe and keep Town in the promotion places.

"I'm very proud of John and especially pleased for all his family, because he's been through a lot," said Murphy, whose production line was responsible for exactly half of Peter Jackson's 16-man teamsheet.

"He has worked very hard to get back from two stress fractures in his back and he has still got a pin in there to this day.

"John has always been a prolific goalscorer, though, right through the age groups, and he has got great control and skill for a big lad.

"He reminds me a lot of Niall Quinn in the way that he plays."

McAliskey, from Golcar, played for Upperthong in the junior leagues and joined Town at the age of 10.

"As he was growing so fast - you can see the size of him - he lost a bit of co-ordination and then he had the injuries," said Murphy.

"As an Under 16, I don't think he kicked a ball, but we knew John had the ability, so we stuck with him and he stuck with the rehabilitation and put in an awful lot of hard work.

"Last summer was the first proper pre-season he has ever had, though, and he's doing well on the strength of it."

So what does McAliskey's progress mean to the Academy?

"It's a great thrill and a great lift to all the staff when we see a player come through into the first team, because that's what we strive for all the time."