Making his Spireites debut at Saltergate in the much needed 3-2 victory over Plymouth Argyle was 21 year old Middlesbrough midfielder Brian Close, signed on loan from the Premiership club, initially for a month but the player would certainly love to be here for the rest of the season.

Brian, who played at right wing back and showed his tough, no nonsense characteristics in abundance, is a Northern Ireland Under 21 International having graduated through the Schoolboy and Youth ranks in his home Country, he was born in Belfast on27th January 1982, having made his bow at that level in September 2001 in a 3-1 home loss against Iceland. His first full 90 minutes for the U 21's came just over a year ago, a close run thing against Germany, but Northern Ireland lost 1-0 and he almost put his Country ahead against Spain last Autumn, but a good save denied him and the Spanish went on to win 1-0.

The versatile midfielder is no stranger to Saltergate, he played here for Boro in the pre season friendly. Brian talked to his Boro colleague Mark Hudson about his time at Saltergate and was told it was a good place to be.

The tough tackler made his Middlesbrough first team debut, squad number 37, as a 65th sub for Marinelli in the Worthington Cup match at Ipswich Town last November, it was 3-0 to the Tractor Boys when he came on and the game ended 3-1, Franck Queudrue pulling back a consolation goal shortly after Brian was booked for a foul on Jamie Clapham!

His performance against Plymouth won plaudits from Spireites fans and management alike and we hope to see his qualities shine in our vital final few matches. Brian will also be part of the  Northern Ireland U-21 squad European Qualifiers against Armenia and Greece

Welcome to Saltergate Brian.

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