BURY midfielder Jacob Mellis says 16-year-old Callum Styles is worth the Gigg Lane entrance fee alone.

The duo started together for the first time in midfield on Monday during the 3-1 loss to Sheffield United.

But Styles had kept Mellis, who was back from suspension, out of the squad the previous game against Bradford – and the former Chelsea and Southampton midfielder says he has watched on in awe as the youngster churned out a string of impressive performances.

“It’s a joy to watch him to be fair,” Mellis said. “For the fans it must be worth paying the money to watch him because even when I’m watching him I’m like 'wow'.

“I’m happy he is performing so well. He’s a top draw player. He’s calm on the ball, laid back and hopefully he can keep getting his games in and improving.

“The youngsters look good on the ball. In the first half we played some decent stuff and they were all at the heart of it.”

Mellis knows all about coming into the spotlight at such a young age having made his Chelsea debut in the Champions League aged 19 after joining from the Blades for £1million.

The 25-year-old is thoroughly impressed with the young talent that has emerged in the first team in recent weeks and reserves the highest praise for assistant head coach Ryan Kidd.

Mellis said: “George Miller, Scott Burgess, Jacob Bedeau – you can see they have all had a good education from Ryan Kidd.

“They all play the right way and it energises the older players.”

The former Blades man scored the opening goal against his former side on Monday with a 25-yard strike that nestled in the top corner.

Playing in a more advanced role behind striker James Vaughan, Mellis said it was the home supporters that urged him into firing the Shakers into an early lead.

“I don’t really remember it too much,” Mellis said. “I just heard the crowd shouting ‘shoot’ so I hit it and luckily it went in."

Although Bury went on to lose, Mellis is confident they can turn their fortunes around sooner rather than later.

He added: “The performances have improved massively. The boys are looking more confident and it’s just about getting that win now. Three points, that’s all that matters.

“It’s been frustrating but we are all sticking together now. Quite a few of the injured lads are coming back to fitness so it’s good.”