SIR Alex Ferguson has hailed Bury goalkeeper Paddy Kenny as a Premiership star of the future.

The United manager had good reason for his comments. He watched in disbelief last night as the Bury number one denied Andy Cole an amazing nine times, made stunning stops from Dwight Yorke and Luke Chadwick and saved a penalty from Ole Gunnar-Solskjaer.

A full strength United team might have won the friendly 3-0 at a packed Gigg Lane but the real winner was Kenny.

Ferguson said: "He was brilliant tonight. He seemed to have a personal vendetta against Andy Cole.

"He's a top class keeper no doubt about it. I watched him a bit last season and I thought he probably kept Bury in the division. He is a good shot stopper and he should go a long way." It isn't the first time Kenny has caught the eye of a high-profile manager.

Last season he was watched by Arsenal's Arsene Wenger but the Frenchman decided against a bid.

He has also been linked with Newcastle and Everton.

If Kenny continues like he did last night then he might not be at Gigg Lane for much longer, a fact recognised by his boss. "We've always known Paddy can play at the top level and he proved it tonight," said Shakers manager Andy Preece. "We've had a lot of enquiries about him over the last 12 months but no firm bids. But if he keeps turning in performances like that then he won't be here for long."

Cole had nine clear opportunities, including six one on ones, and Kenny, who joined Bury for £10,000 from Bradford Park Avenue in 1998, saved them all.

However, the Bury keeper was far too modest to brag.

"It was just one of those nights where everything seemed to hit me," he explained. "I made myself big and I was pleased with the way I played."