BURY’s secret weapon from the bench George Miller must be protected according to boss

David Flitcroft.

The 18-year-old has accumulated only 64 minutes of game time from his three substitute appearances this year – but has hit two goals.

His latest arrived in Tuesday night’s Checkatrade Trophy tie. After James Vaughan and Hallam Hope both failed to find a way past Stoke stopper Jakob Haugaard, it took Miller less than two minutes to swivel and bury the ball into the bottom corner from 12 yards.

Shakers supporters have already taken to the young

starlet, with the 164 travelling fans chanting: “He’s one of our own,” at the Britannia Stadium, but Flitcroft says he will be

careful not to rush into handing Miller a starting spot.

“You have got to be careful with these players,” Flitcroft said. “When the game opens up and when there’s space, which doesn’t really happen in League One at the start of a game, then he probably won’t carry the same threat.

“Certainly when teams are going searching for that win and they leave space in behind George is an incredible threat.

“It’s horses for courses, it’s different games, different approaches with teams and when we feel George is right to step up for a starting position I’m sure he will do.”

Miller, the nephew of Bolton-based former Premier League referee Mark Halsey, scored 17 goals in 18 youth team games last season.

As well as having a keen eye for goal, it is the striker’s playing style that has drawn high praise from Flitcroft.

“George is different to most academy players because he wants to run in beyond, he wants to run in behind players,” he added. “Most academy players want to come and show their feet, come and show their skills and tricks they have learned since they were seven.

“It’s a real dangerous threat. It is an art form Jamie

Vardy has mastered.

“George has probably got the most sincere work ethic that I have been able to manage as an assistant manager, coach and manager.”

Meanwhile, the winner of Bury’s FA Cup first-round replay with Wimbledon on Tuesday will travel to face the winner of Curzon Ashton and Westfields in the second round.