James Nolan, now playing in the Baller League, came through United's academy system with Lacey.
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"Shea is that guy," Nolan told the Mirror.
"He's just got it. He's playing 10, 15 minutes, but you can see the level he's at."
Nolan also had a word for United superkid JJ Gabriel.
"When we used to be in college doing our Btecs, he used to come into the school and then he used to train with us in the afternoon and even at 12, 13, it was mental (how good he was)," Nolan continued.
"I think with certain players, when you get to the 14, 15 age, you just know straight away. For me, I think once Shea gets his chance, he'll do very well for himself."