THEY say first impressions are lasting impressions - so when Chris Casper had a goalkeeping emergency last Friday afternoon, one name came quickly to mind.

Teenager Lewis Edge appeared on the Shakers team bus bound for Macclesfield Town's Moss Rose base on Saturday without having previously met any of his teammates.

He was plucked from the reserve team at Blackpool after regular Gigg Lane number one Kasper Schmeichel was called back from a loan spell by Manchester City at the last possible moment.

City's regular keeper Nicky Weaver sustained a back injury which kept him out of their game against Sheffield United - and Schmeichel was needed to fill in on the bench for Stuart Pearce's side.

Until Saturday, Edge had played only three senior games, but a chance encounter with the Bury boss whilst playing for Blackpool's youth team two seasons ago had put him in good stead.

"I first came across Lewis in his first youth team game," explained Casper, who joined the club initially as youth team manager in 2003 before taking over the top job last season.

"He was playing for Blackpool, we beat them 5-0, he played with a broken rib and no gloves and kept the score under 15 - he was absolutely magnificent.

"He's a great character. I spoke to Simon Grayson (Blackpool manager) and I'm really pleased he has let him come out to us because he's done a great job.

"Lewis is here for a month and if he keeps performing, we will see how we go."

With Alan Fettis and Aaron Grundy injured and Schmeichel's future uncertain, owing to Weaver's injury, Edge is currently the only senior team keeper currently on the books at Gigg Lane.

But the youngster, who has been on loan at Rochdale already this season, is happy to take any opportunity which comes his way, however unexpected.

Speaking after his debut game at Macclesfield, the 19-year-old shot-stopper said: "I haven't really played many first team games lately, so it was great to get one.

"I thought I was going back to Rochdale next week and sit on the bench, but our goalkeeping coach - who also works at Rochdale - pulled me in yesterday morning and said I'd be playing for Bury.

"I was buzzing when I found out, so I'm happy to be here.

"I have signed for a month, and if I do alright, maybe we can extend it.

"All I can do is enjoy my football and do as I'm told. Kasper has done well since he has been here and the fans love him, but hopefully I can take my chance."

Edge made his cup bow in the defeat against Tranmere Rovers in midweek, and looks set to start against Boston United.