COMETH the hour, cometh the man. . . and young Shakers' defender Jon Cartledge proved last weekend that his time had arrived.

Colin Woodthorpe's suspension meant the 19-year-old centre back had to be thrown into the fray at Carlisle last Saturday, and despite the team going down to a disappointing defeat, he passed his personal test with flying colours.

But don't get the idea that his inclusion was a desperation move by Graham Barrow. The Bury boss was always confident the Carshalton-born youngster could make the step up to Football League level.

"I thought Jon did great for us for a young lad," he declared after Saturday's game.

"He proved he can do a good job in the Football League but it doesn't surprise me.

"You believe a player can do a job and he can play as well as he wants in the reserves and in training, but you never know until he actually plays in the first team.

"Obviously, he's not the finished article yet but his performance was a big bonus on the day."

A strapping six foot one inch, Cartledge was on the books at Fulham as a junior before winning a two-year YTS deal with Birmingham City.

He was released by the Blues last season and joined the Shakers in the summer, featuring in the first team's pre-season friendly at Leigh RMI.

An avid Arsenal fan whose favourite player predictably is Sol Campbell, Cartledge is keen to make himself a permanent feature in the Shakers first team and go on to play at the highest level.

And judging by his level-headed reaction to last weekend's first Football League outing, there's no reason why that wish can't be fulfilled.

"Overall I was pleased with my debut, it was a great experience," he said.

"It was a good tester playing against Andy Preece and I was just told to play my normal game, keep it simple and concentrate on defending.

"I know I've still got a lot to learn but I have confidence in my ability and will keep my head down in training and hopefully be included at the weekend."

The youngster wasn't told until the day before the game that he was definitely playing at Brunton Park.

But after being involved in set pieces and pattern play during the week he had an inkling he may be involved.

"I think it's worked out better for me with Graham Barrow in charge," he added.

"He talks to the youth team coaches and asks how players are doing. He will back youngsters if they are good enough and won't be frightened to put them in the first team.

"He has confidence in me and now I've got my foot in the door. Hopefully I will have impressed on Saturday.

With Woodthorpe missing for his second game tomorrow it looks odds-on Cartledge will be making his home debut against Cambridge United.

"We played it down that Jon was playing last week because we didn't want to put too much pressure on him but his football did the talking on the day."