LEE Sinnott has described Sunderland-bound Duncan Watmore as ‘irreplaceable’, but still backed prize capture James Walshaw to be a resounding success in a new-look Altrincham attack next season.

Sunderland saw off competition from a host of rival clubs to sign Watmore for an undisclosed fee and leave Alty with the thankless task of trying to fill his boots.

Guiseley frontrunner Walshaw was swiftly identified as the prime candidate, and Sinnott had no hesitation backing him to keep the goals flowing, after chairman Grahame Rowley completed the signing at Hartshead Moor Services on the M62.

“You don’t replace Duncan, as such, because he’s got something you don’t see very often,” said the Alty manager.

“What you do is look to bring someone in who will complement what we’ve already got, and James is that type of player.

“He’s got a bit of an edge to his game, which I like. He is always ready to try something different, and he often has something up his sleeve other players wouldn’t even think of. He asks defenders questions, and I am looking forward to working with him.

“If you lose a goalscorer, you want someone who can at least match the tally of the player he is replacing, and James has shown he can score goals at this level. At 29, he is in his prime, and his experience can only benefit Damian Reeves and James Lawrie.

“Like all forwards, he loves to score, and I can see him dovetailing with Damian, if that is to be the partnership.

“He is more than just a good finisher, though. His link-up play is excellent as well, and I’m delighted to have him on board. The squad is taking shape, and we’ll see how things progress now, in terms of any further additions.

“Duncan has been an absolute pleasure to work with, and we wish him all the best with what is a wonderful move for him. Will we see him in the Premier League one day? Well, it’s essential he keeps progressing and taking things on board, but let’s be fair – you don’t see many Duncans, do you?

“If you can run directly at people at the speed he does, and change direction as quickly as he does, you are going to make any defender’s job that much harder. But he will be up against better defenders, who will try and take him where he doesn’t want to go. They will try and dictate what he does with the ball and where he takes it, but he mustn’t let that happen.

“The best players dictate how things unfold, not the other way round, and that is the challenge he is facing now. The good thing is he’s a bright lad who listens to what you tell him and does his utmost to implement it. He’s got every chance.”