ADNAN AHMED might have been the man with no name for 15 minutes of Saturday's clash with Colchester.

But Town boss Peter Jackson believes plenty of people will have heard of the 20-year-old by this time next year.

Ahmed, who signed a new two-year contract last week, was forced to change his shirt after half an hour of his 18th Town appearance.

The midfielder returned to the fray with No14, that of his teammate Rob Edwards, but no name on his back.

By the second half, Town's No25 was back to normal.

"Adnan got a cut and had blood down his shirt," explained kit man Andy Brook.

"Under the League rules, he had to change it.

"A player can go back onto the pitch with any number on his back as long as it's not that of a player already on.

"I always keep a couple of spares with numbers but no names in the dug-out, and because Rob Edwards was not in the squad, one of them was his.

"All the players have a spare shirt with both their number and name back in the dressing room, so Adnan was able to put that on at half-time."

The 20-year-old Lancastrian has had to be patient in waiting for his big opportunity.

The Academy product made just one outing last season, in the 1-1 draw at Rochdale.

His first game this season was in the 3-0 LDV Vans Trophy win over Morecambe.

He scored his first goal during the 6-3 defeat at Blackpool in the LDV second round, then earned his first League I game of the campaign as a substitute when Bournemouth were beaten 3-2 at home in January.

Ahmed has figured in all 13 games since, starting the last dozen, as Jackson continues his policy of blooding youngsters.

"I'm really pleased with the way Adnan has developed, and that's why we rewarded him with a two-year deal," he said.

"His attitude and workrate have always been good. Now he has the security of a contract and can focus on his game."