'He was outstanding!' Murray offers huge praise for Boston United teenager Harry Vince

The Pilgrims boss handed the teenager his first start for the club in the goalless draw at FC Halifax Town on Saturday.

And at full time he had nothing but praise for the youngster, who he singled out as leading by example in the early stages.

“He was oustanding,” Murray said.

“For somebody to come in at the age of 17 and demand, he demanded from other people, that’s a good thing.

“He showed tenacity and started well in the first 20 minutes.

“I think he put three or four big tackles in, which got everybody else going.

“The next thing you know you’ve got (Kalern) Thomas flying into tackles - it rubs off.”

Vince had previously made two appearances for United from the bench, his debut coming in the home defeat to Brackley in November, and his second in the FA Trophy defeat at Witton Albion in December.

Bizarrely, all three of his appearances for the first team have come under different managers, with departed boss Dennis Greene, caretaker manager Martyn Bunce and current incumbent Murray all putting their faith in him.

Vince may have been the smallest player on the pitch on Saturday, but Murray believes that counts for nothing.

He added: “When you have a young lad coming in with enthusiasm and bravery it helps.

“People keep telling me he’s 2ft 1 ins, but his heart’s the size of a lion and you can’t buy that or coach that.

“He cares. This is his club and it means a lot to him and he’s got a huge future.

“Size to me doesn’t matter. When you have passion and heart then size doesn’t mean anything.”