STEVEN Haslam has said he wants to grab his second opportunity of League football with both hands.

Having previously tasted the high life with Sheffield Wednesday in the Premiership, the 27-year-old defender admitted it was a confidence-sapping blow to find himself way down in the Conference with Halifax on his release from Hillsborough.

Then Wednesday boss Chris Turner released several members of his squad soon after his appointment, and Haslam, at that point, welcomed the challenge of trying to get the Shaymen back into the Football League.

He spent three seasons as one of the top-rated defenders in the fifth tier of English football, but when Bury came knocking this summer, Haslam said he had a point to prove to himself.

"I had played in the League before and dropped out, so this was my big chance to get back," the full-back said.

"It does hurt, and it came as a big blow to my confidence at the time. "But I got my head down, worked hard and believed that the chance would come again.

"Halifax have always said that they would not stand in my way if a League club came in for me, so I'm grateful for the opportunity."

l Shakers keeper Aaron Grundy faces five weeks on the sidelines after breaking his foot in training.

The youngster, who is expected to act as back-up for Jim Provett at the start of the season, has a cast on his foot after chipping a bone in his ankle.