Chesterfield assistant manager Danny Webb admits he’s delighted that “such a nice kid” Fraser Bryden has opened his goal account for the League Two club after joining in a six-figure move from Crusaders this summer.

After lighting up the Irish League in his sole campaign last term, Bryden made a switch to England for a reported initial fee of £120,000 with the Crues in line for more through potential add-ons.

The 22-year-old scored 22 goals in 35 Premiership appearances for Crusaders and played a pivotal role as they narrowly avoided relegation in a play-off triumph over Annagh United.

Bryden was named NIFWA’s Young Player of the Year for his performances, seeing off competition from Glentoran loanee MJ Kamson-Kamara, who has since joined Hearts, and team-mate Josh Williamson.

placeholder image — Former Crusaders striker Fraser Bryden joined Chesterfield ahead of this season. (Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press)

He hasn’t been able to find the net in any of his five League Two appearances so far this season – he started for the first time in a 3-3 draw with Barnet on September 5 – but Bryden struck in Tuesday’s 5-3 EFL Trophy win over Manchester City’s U21s.

With Chesterfield manager Paul Cook favouring a system with one striker, Bryden is battling against former Larne and Portadown ace Lee Bonis for opportunities in the starting line-up.

A midweek cup outing gave Bryden a perfect opportunity to shine and he’ll hope to be included once again when Chesterfield host York City this weekend.

"I’m really pleased for him,” Webb told BBC Radio Sheffield. “He was huffing and puffing against Barnet and things just weren’t coming off, it certainly wasn’t for the lack of effort.

"He’s such a nice kid, he really is, and he has worked his socks off to get the goal.

"He put himself about, like he did against Barnet, but to get the goal must be so pleasing for him.”