Young Huddersfield Town full-back makes impression

The 19-year-old full-back was named in Town's starting line-up against Charlton due to Lee Clark being without Lee Peltier (suspension) and Gary Naysmith (dead leg).

Ridehalgh's inclusion at left-back may have been something of a surprise but he responded with a mature display as Huddersfield ran out 3-1 winners.

Huddersfield captain Clarke said: "I thought Liam Ridehalgh was absolutely outstanding. It was probably the best debut I have seen from a teenager.

"Now he has set his standard and he has to match that. The gaffer

had mentioned about dipping into the loan market but if Liam carries on in that vein of form I don't think he will have to do that."

Ridehalgh, who made 17 appearances for the reserves last season, joined Town's Academy at Under-12 level and signed a new one-year contract during the close season.

Manager Clark said: "Liam had a fantastic debut and did everything that was asked of him.

"We have seen a massive improvement in his physical stature over the summer.

"He has worked hard on his own over that period and he is a defender who doesn't like to be beaten. He takes pride in it.

"He picked the right passes and his decision-making was very good."

Ridehalgh's impressive first team bow was one of several positives for Town on an afternoon when Alan Lee also made a positive impact following his midweek move from Crystal Palace.

As well as the two debutants did, however, it was more the manner of

the team display that lifted the spirits of the 13,858 crowd following the disappointing 4-2 defeat at Peterborough United a week earlier.

Captain Clarke said: "We didn't enjoy the previous Saturday (at Peterborough) but the important thing is not to get too down when things go against us or go over-the-top when things go well.

"It is still early days and the league is still shaping up.

But it was a good win against a team that I am sure will

be pushing for the top six again.

"The new lads have added quality to the side, along with a bit of experience and know-how.

"This is a good group of lads and there is a good feeling among the lads. But we can't get too carried away.

"Having said that, it is always nice to win in the manner we did, though we were disappointed to concede like we did near the end.

"We wanted another clean sheet. The key is to learn from it.

"The lad who scored (Matt Fry) went through a couple of tackles that we should have won."