LEIGH RMI's Tony Black has received praise from another Confernece manager.

Hayes boss Terry Brown - who Leigh played today in their opening league fixture - reckons Black is as good as anyone in the league and he has seen what damage the striker can do at close quarters.

Black scored twice when RMI thrashed Hayes 4-0 last season.

Brown knows that Leigh could be a different side without the influential winger Steve Jones but still admires their quality.

"Black is a fantastic player and we will need to be on our guard to stop him come matchday," he said.

"He scored an amazing goal against us last year and Monk ripped us to shreds at Hilton Park, but Leigh will feel pressure this year after finishing in the top five last season and we are happy for it to stay that way."

Meanwhile Leigh have a few injuries problems going into the new season.

Ex-Wanderer Steve Thompson could miss the first six weeks of the season after suffering cartilage damage, midfielder Ged Kielty broke his wrist against Wigan two weeks ago and is out for a month and Dave Ridings is struggling with a hamstring strain. In addition, Ricky Harris continues a three-match suspension carried over from last season.