NORTHERN Ireland Under-21 midfielder Richard Clarke is not short of admirers as he looks for a route into English football.

The young midfielder scored for the Shakers against Hyde United on Monday night to cap a performance which underlines his growing reputation in the game.

Clarke shone for Newry City last season, alerting the attention of several clubs, including Scottish giants Rangers, Ipswich Town, Sheffield United and Gillingham.

But it was Bury who gave him the first chance to impress, offering the young Ulsterman a one-week trial.

Keith Alexander remains philosophical about the Shakers' chances of landing the central midfielder, who was named by Irish under-21 boss Roy Millar in his squad to face Everton at the start of the month.

"I have got a lot of good contacts in Ireland, and I know the Newry manager Gerry Flynn from having played with him at Cliftonville," he said.

"I've been able to bring in some good players from that area before in my career. Gareth MaCauley (Leicester City) and Jeff Hughes (Crystal Palace) are playing in the Championship now, so it is an area of the world rich in talent.

"Unfortunately for us, I know Rangers and Sheffield United are also keen to have a look at him.

"We are interested, but right now it is a case of awaiting developments."

Clarke is an international team-mate of David Buchanan and, although Irish club Glenavon are also said to be interested in securing his signature, the youngster is keen to ply his trade in England to further his chances with Northern Ireland.

The midfielder's performance was the major plus-point to take from the Shakers' visit to Ewan Fields at the start of the week.

Another six trialists were given a chance to shine, but there was little to shout about until Clarke latched on to Andy Parrish's cross six minutes before the break and slipped the ball under goalkeeper Craig Dootson - one of several former Shakers currently figuring for Hyde.

Bury could have doubled their lead when Shuan Ross - another second-half trialist - forced Dootson into an acrobatic save with a looping free-kick.

The visitors appeared to be heading for victory against Conference North outfit until a poor backpass from Dale Stephens wrong-footed giant defender Ben Futcher, and striker Paul Gedman kept a cool head to slot the ball home.