BURY defender Kean Bryan says he is ready to step up and make his mark in the Shakers' defence after being handed his professional debut at the start of the month.

Since starting in the 2-1 defeat at home to Scunthorpe, the Manchester City loanee has partnered skipper Antony Kay at the heart of the defence against Bradford and Peterborough, although he played the first of half Saturday's loss at London Road in central midfield.

The 19-year-old's chance to shine followed injuries to central defenders Nathan Cameron and Leon Barnett.

And he is hoping to repay the faith shown in him by manager David Flitcroft by helping Bury get back to winning ways against Rochdale this weekend.

“Injuries happen in football and when your chance comes you've got to take it,” Bryan told the Bury Times.

“It's happened now, unfortunately for the lads, but it's time for me to step up and hopefully I can.

“It was great to make my debut. It was a proud moment for my family, it has been a while coming.

"I was hoping to get it younger than that but I didn't.

“There's nothing better than playing professional football and playing for three points and that's the reason I've come here, to play games and to get the experience of playing in front of crowds.

“It's been a great start to the season and hopefully we can get back to winning ways at the weekend.”

Bryan, who penned a season-long switch to Gigg Lane on deadline day, revealed he spoke to former Bury loanee and Manchester City team-mate Ian Lawlor before linking up with the Shakers.

The centre-back had a number of clubs fighting for his signature in the summer after impressing as captain of City's Under-23s side – but it was the vote of confidence given to him by Flitcroft that convinced him to remain close to home.

“The main thing is what the manager said to me,” Bryan added. “He said I was going to get game time, he said he believed in me and believes that I can play different positions so it's good that the manager wants me to play – that's what brought me here.

“I did speak to Ian (Lawlor). I spoke to him on the last day because I went in to City to grab my stuff and he told me it's a great club and to do my best when I go there and take my chance.”