That's the verdict of the Darlington youth team coach Neil Maddison, after the youngster entered the club's history books last weekend.

The South Shields schoolboy stepped off the bench against Peterborough on Saturday to become the youngest player in Darlington's 123-year history.

Despite being just 15, the striker was given his big chance for the last seven minutes of the game, after impressing the club's coaching staff with his attitude and ability.

And it could be just the start of big things to come for Main, according to Maddison.

He said: "For a 15-year-old to play in any type of football above his age is a fantastic achievement, never mind playing first-team football.

"The type of character that he is, nothing seems to faze him. He's quite confident, and the manager (Dave Penney) decided to go with him on the bench, as he takes things in his stride.

"He's a strong lad, and coped with the physical side of things. He's had his chance, and he impressed the manager.

"There was a party atmosphere at Peterborough, with them having just got promoted. I think the type of kid that he is, he will have sat back and thought 'I want a bit of this every week'.

"He wants success, and isn't fazed by it. He's had a little taste, and wants more of it."

More than 1000 players have represented the club in its history, but none as young as Main, who still attends South Shields Community School, which had to give him special permission to miss lessons last Friday in order to travel with the squad.

He doesn't turn 16 until June 20, and his appearance as a lone striker on Saturday easily beat the previous record held by Dale Anderson, who was 16 years and 254 days old.

It would be a surprise if the youngster, from Biddick Hall Drive, is involved in the League Two play-off against Rochdale this weekend, having been drafted in by Penney last week because of injuries.

He starts a two-year apprenticeship next season, and Maddison believes that if he works hard and keeps his feet on the ground, he could become a top player.

Maddison added: "Curtis has been playing centre of excellence football and under-18 football with myself.

"The last couple of weeks he has been training with the first team. He was unfortunate not to be on the bench a week earlier.

"Now Curtis has got to push on and want it more and more.

"He's now got two years learning the trade with me, and he could be anything this lad.

"He's got two good feet and can strike the ball well with either.

"He's got the same build as a Wayne Rooney, he's got pace, and in these two years if he keeps progressing, he's got everything there a centre-forward needs."

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