YOUNG Bury striker Regan Walker has been sent back to the youth team to work on his fitness with a word of warning from manager David Flitcroft.

The 17-year-old forward has made two substitute appearances for the Shakers first team since being promoted from the youth ranks by previous boss Ronnie Jepson.

But Flitcroft said: “We’ve got to take Reggie out of the first team environment until he can cope with that level.

“It’s my duty of care to get him fit and I will do everything I can to get him fit, but he’s got to want to get fit and it’s something we are really working hard on.

“I can have the best staff in the world but if Reggie doesn’t want to get fit we’ve not a chance with him.”

Anthony Dudley, who has scored 10 goals in 12 matches for the youth team this season, has swapped places with Walker, coming on for his league debut against Burton Albion last weekend.

“I have seen something in Duds that I like,” said Flitcroft.

“There is a player in there. I had no hesitation in putting him on (against Burton).

“In the small-sided games he has been playing in he has been quite illusive and I just felt he could get in between them.

“A couple of balls got through and flashed across the goal and I could maybe just see him popping up in there.

“But he’s one for the future, there’s no doubt about that.

“I will keep promoting the young players because I believe in a good youth system.

“Hopefully it will give him some real belief that he can mix it with the big boys.”