FORMER Burnley College Sixth Form student Marko Marosi has hailed the support from tutors after making his Football League debut.

The 20-year-old Slovakian-born goalkeeper achieved outstanding results in his Advanced Diploma in Public Services while at the college, and was also a member of the college’s Football Academy.

After a brief spell at Wigan Athletic he moved to Doncaster Rovers in the summer, and made his first professional appearance when he came off the bench to replace the injured Jed Steer after 30 minutes of their recent 3-0 defeat at Walsall.

Marosi was back on the bench for the next match, with Steer passed fit.

“The outstanding tutors at Burnley College gave me the extra motivation to train hard, and helped me to focus on specific areas of my fitness and technique which really boosted my performance,” he said.

“I was also able to use the fantastic state of the art facilities at the campus, such as the 3G pitch and fitness centre.

“My tutors were really supportive when I got my professional contract at Wigan Athletic.

“They gave me the support and help I needed, whilst still pushing me academically.”

Marosi’s year as a trainee at the DW Stadium did not work out, but in August he signed a two-year deal with Rovers.

The Slovakia youth international has been an unused substitute in the rest of Doncaster’s League One games this season, but could be in line for some action when Steer’s three-month loan deal from Aston Villa runs out at the start of next month.

Alison Cameron Brandwood, assistant principal of Sixth Form and University of Burnley College, said: “We are proud of Marko for his excellent achievements. He was a conscientious and hardworking student during his time at Burnley College Sixth Form Centre, achieving outstanding grades as well as being a dedicated athlete.

“It’s fantastic to see students progressing into such highly competitive industries.”