CHRIS Lucketti has picked up the first of three major honours he has his sights set on.

The towering defender, rated the prize asset in Bury's highly-rated young squad, is looking to complete a memorable season with promotion and a third successive Player of the Season award.

But he already has one achievement under his belt after being handed the captain's armband for the first time in his career.

Lucketti was chosen by manager Stan Ternent to be his on-the-field leader when Ronnie Jepson - the stand-in captain during injured club skipper David Pugh's absence - was ruled out by injury.

At 25, he is one of the youngest skippers in the game, but he is relishing the additional responsibility.

"It is a great honour to captain the side," declared Lucketti who has retained the armband following Jepson's return to the side.

"The manager came to me before the first game Ronnie missed through injury and just told me I was going to be captain. "That was about nine games ago and I don't think it has made any difference to my game.

"You've got to gee the lads up when necessary and lead them out. But you've also got the responsibility to change things about during games.

"The manager doesn't mind if, during the course of a game, makes certain changes that he thinks are necessary and I am in a good position in defence to see everything that goes on.

"I was chuffed to bits to be given the job although I suppose it shouldn't have come as so much of a surprise. We have a lot of young players in the side and I've been here for a few years so I suppose I'm one of the most experience players in the team."

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