Latics scholar Andy Crompton says he was not fazed by playing against England defenders Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown in last night's Manchester Premier Cup tie against Manchester United.

The 17-year-old relished the opportunity to test himself against players of that calibre at Stalybridge Celtics' Bower Fold ground.

He said: "I am not in football to play against babies. I want to play against the best players in the world.

"The better the players I come up against - and they didn't come any bigger than the England captain - then hopefully I will become a better player.

"I would like to think that I also showed my worth against them and the gaffer (Lee Duxbury) told me I had done well."

Crompton added that both Ferdinand and Brown also had words of encouragement for me.

"They told me to keep my head down, work hard and, if I do, they are sure I will make it as a professional. And when the England captain says that, I cannot go wrong," he continued.

Crompton featured in first-team matches pre-season and made his competitive debut as a substitute in the Carling Cup defeat at Scunthorpe United last month.

He says his goal for the remainder of the season is to push towards establishing a regular place in the squad.

The teenager from Stretford, who had six months at Manchester United's Academy, joined Latics two years ago from Fletcher Moss, the junior team where Wes Brown began his playing days.