John Barry Nusum made his debut for the Columbus Crew as they kicked off Spring training with a victory.

Nusum, signed by the Ohio team during Sunday's Major League Soccer (MLS) draft, played for the second-half of the Crew's 3-1 victory over the United States Amateur Team in Bradenton, Florida.

It was the first of three matches the Crew will play this week.

Nusum, in an interview with the Columbus Dispatch newspaper, said making the professional ranks had always been his dream.

“Soccer has always been part of my life,” he said. “I can't remember not playing. In Bermuda, you play the game from birth. I'd walk out the back door and play.”

Nusum has been asked on several occasions in recent days who he compares himself to. And with so many football stars to choose from his answer has been a surprising one - 2000 MLS scoring sensation Mamadou ‘Big Mama' Diallo.

But although the 6ft 1in 204lb Nusum might have the same build he admits he does not have his speed.

“There's still so much more for me to learn,” he said. “In college I think I learned to approach the game mentally better. I'd really like to improve on the technical aspects needed at this level.”

Meanwhile, fellow professional Kyle Lightbourne was dropped from the starting line-up for Macclesfield Town's English Third Division clash against Scunthorpe United last night.

Macclesfield boss Dave Moss had been critical of his strikers following a defeat to Exeter at the weekend and the Bermudian had to make do with a place on the bench.

He did get to see some action, coming on in the 83rd minute for Rickie Lambert. The game finished 1-1.