LEIGH RMI have signed Ryan Giggs' best mate and he'll make his debut in next Tuesday's Nationwide Trophy replay against Northwich.

Midfielder Danny Garner moves to Hilton Park from NW Counties side Salford City after manager Steve Waywell finally managed to persuade his long-term target to try his hand at a higher level.

Waywell says: "Danny's a tremendously gifted player with wonderful ability but he just lacks that desire. He was with Morecambe but was starting up a business which sidelined him for a while.

"I've talked to him again this week and he really wants to give it a go with us. He'll be playing in the game against Northwich next week and I'm really looking forward to seeing him in action because I know just how good he can be.

"Other managers have maybe tried to tie him down to defensive duties and perhaps that hasn't worked. As far as I'm concerned that's not part of his game. He's at his best going forward and what I'm going to do is to try and play to his strengths. If it works and we can put that desire into him we have a hell of a player on our hands.

"He's the best mate of Ryan Giggs and if he had the same drive as a Giggs or a David Beckham there is no doubt in my mind that he would have made it professionally. If it pays off he could be one of the best signings we've made for a long while."

RMI take a break from Nationwide Conference duties for the next two matches.

They play UniBond Premier Division side Hucknall Town in the FA Trophy third round at Hilton Park tomorrow and then their much-delayed Nationwide Trophy first round replay against Northwich on Tuesday.