IF HE'S HALF THE PLAYER AS THESE FELLAS WE'RE LAUGHING

Paddy Crerand: "You see all the young players coming through the reserves and I took a shine to Darren immediately."

"Even at 16 he looked like he would be something special and though he won't want to shout about it, Sir Alex Ferguson has the same opinion."

"The first thing you notice about him is his touch on the ball," enthused Crerand.

"The injuries must have been terrible but I have spoken to him a couple of times and he still retains the all-consuming desire to become a footballer.

"Nothing lasts forever and there will come a time when people like Roy Keane can no longer continue, so it is great to know there are young lads such as Darren starting to look as though they can come in and fill the gap.

"Manchester United have always put great store by bringing youngsters through and the fact he is Scottish as well just adds to the satisfaction.

"When you look at the dearth of Scottish players just now, it's a crying shame. Darren is the best thing to come out of Scotland in years. I really think he is going to be huge."

Gaz Nev:

"Darren made a fantastic debut. I have seen many young players wilt a bit in similar circumstances but he looked like he could handle the big stage.

"He has had problems with injuries and he had the same foot operation that I had to have last summer.

"But he really looks like he wants to play and he looks like he can handle playing at Old Trafford which is a big test for a youngster."

Fergie weighs in too:

Darren is over his injury problems and playing regularly. Now he needs to take that step up and meet the challenge of breaking into the top flight. He has suffered badly with injuries for the last two years with three bad ones in a row. That dragged him back and interrupted his progress through the ranks. But, in fighting his way back to fitness and then producing consistent form, it proved that he has the character necessary to make an impact high up the soccer ladder."