MATTY YOUNG'S elevation to the first-team squad indicates a new generation of starlets coming through at Town.
Manager Peter Jackson has used 12 Academy products in his Division III squad this season and Rothwell-based Young could be the next.
Jackson is already aware, however, of talent further down the age groups and believes it speaks volumes for the McAlpine youth system.
"I can't believe any other club in the country has as many Academy lads in the first team as we do," said Jackson, who gave Reserve experience to teenagers like Aaron Hardy, Joe Shaw, Michael Collins, Gavin Huxall and James Hand against Preston.
"I went to watch the Under 17s this week against Hull and we've got some really good talent coming through.
"It shows what a good job is being done by Gerry Murphy and John Dungworth, Chris Howarth and the part-time coaches and all the various staff at the Academy.
"People were questioning the amount of investment we have made in the Academy, but you only have to take one look at our first team and the sale of someone like Jonathan Stead to realise it's worth every penny."
