STEVEN Schumacher is confident he will strike up a good partnership with fellow midfielder Peter Sweeney — because they did it for England.

The duo played together at schoolboy level and have now been reunited at Gigg Lane 10 years on.

Schumacher, who came through the Everton academy, and former Millwall ace Sweeney have big boots to fill after the departure of Stephen Dawson and Brian Barry-Murphy over the summer.

But they have the advantage of knowing each other’s game well, though the partnership will have to be put on hold against Hereford on Saturday with Schumacher suspended following his sending off against Crewe.

“I have known Sweens since we were 15,” said the 26-year-old.

“We played together for England in the Under-15s and U16s and I know he is a good player with loads of ability and a great left foot.

“If we can get that partnership going again we will progress as players and as a team, and it will do everyone the world of good.

“We are both capable of chipping in with a few goals too. I am not going to guarantee it but I will get forward as much as I can and get some shots off. Sweens has also got that ability to strike the ball so, hopefully, both of us will get a few goals.”

The former Bradford and Crewe star, who was handed the captain’s armband on his debut against Port Vale, is looking to get his career back on track.

“I have settled in well and I am enjoying it – it’s a good group of lads here,” he said. “I was excited by what the manager had to say when I first signed and it is a good opportunity for me to come and get my career back on track.

“My career has possibly stalled a bit. My performances for Crewe were okay but I just didn’t play enough games because of a few injuries and niggles that have held me back.

“I came to Bury because I know the club has a positive atmosphere in the dressing room and the aim is to be challenging at the top end of the table.

“When you walk into the dressing room, everyone is talking about the need to win games and that is a good thing and I am excited to be a part of it.”