Most 17 year olds nowadays are at school, with their friends or playing on their games consoles. Cory Bent however is an exception. Having featured for the Blues senior team this season, AFC Fylde have been kind enough to let Simon Garner nurture his talents. Bent is one of the hottest prospects in non-league football at the moment.

Attacking midfielder Bent spoke to the website and in a level headed manner has thanked manager Simon Garner and the senior pro’s at Shawbridge for helping his progression and giving him another big chance in football;

“Regardless of my age all the lads have been very welcoming towards me, being in the first team at such a young age puts a bit of pressure on me but all of the lads have helped me settle in since my first game at Burscough. Everyone in the changing room is really motivating and encouraging and for me coming into an alien environment, it means a lot.”

He went on to say; “It gives me a lot of confidence that Simon (Garner) has such faith in me, although he sends me out to do a job, he allows me to express myself whenever and wherever I can and I can't thank him enough for that. Being in the first team at Clitheroe has given me a lot of confidence in my own ability, so I also have to thank Simon for that.”

Bent unfortunately injured his hamstring during his trial at Championship side Rovers and had to return early but it is clear to see that the attacker will get his big chance again one day;

“After coming through the youth team, to reserves and then being involved with the firsts at Fylde, it's given me the incentive to always work hard and never give up. I hope I can implement this in all areas but mainly adding to the work rate and the desire that the boys already have.”

Having praised all of the first team at Clitheroe, Manchester born Bent held special praise for striker Sefton Gonzales, who has mentored the teenager and taught him the tricks of the trade this campaign when he hasn't been with Fylde;

“I hope this doesn't get to his head but I definitely look up to Sefton, I've spent a lot of my time talking to him and obviously playing alongside him and he's helped me a lot in my time at Clitheroe, he's the one on the pitch that always tells me to keep going and I'll get what I deserve, which I can honestly say that I have learnt through watching him play and the goals he scored.”

Bent wants to continue playing in Clitheroe’s first team and learning his trade. As with all young players, Cory doesn’t want rest and instead wants as much playing action as possible in the second half of the season;

“I've certainly learned about what it's like to play in an open age league and the experience I've gained personally is invaluable. I've learnt a lot about the club itself and what they're all about! My personal goal for the rest of the season is to play as many minutes as possible, I can't get enough of playing football at the minute and there's nothing I enjoy more. Hopefully Simon will continue giving me the chances he has done previously so I can show him what I'm all about as a player and a person, and also repay him for what he has given to me.”