Jordan Brown is a handful.
The striker signed from Arsenal at the age of 16 has transformed himself from a skinny schoolboy into a goal-getting all-round centre forward.
Now 18, Brown showcased his talents in Friday’s 2-1 Barclays U21 Premier League defeat by Norwich City at Rush Green, smashing in an unstoppable 25-yard shot, hitting the crossbar and seeing two more well-struck efforts saved by the Canaries goalkeeper.
On another night, the frontman could have taken the match ball home with him, but neither a hat-trick nor a victory came his way.
“I felt we were on top with all the chances we created,” he observed. “We kept it tight all game but then a couple of mistakes at the end cost us dear.
“On another night I think I would have had two or three goals, but it wasn’t to be. I kept it going but I just need to tidy up on a few things and keep improving. Of course the aim is to score goals and keep hitting the target, which I felt I did.”
After seeing two efforts turned aside by Norwich goalkeeper Mark Bunn, another kiss the crossbar and two more fly narrowly wide, Brown finally found the net five minutes after half-time.
When it arrived, the goal was something special, with the teenager collecting 25 yards out before hammering the ball high into the top right-hand corner.
“I wouldn’t say it’s the best finish I’ve scored, but it was a good goal. It got a slight deflection, but they all count!” he smiled, before admitting that the Club’s youngsters need to learn how to close games out.
“We have had a young team, but we’re all good players and I think we’ll all learn from this hard phase we’ve been going through and eventually the results will come because our performances are getting better.
“Personally, I’m trying to improve every day and adapt to U21 football. Even though I got a look-in last season, it was hard for me, so I’m trying to work on my game and improve so I can be a shining light at this level.”
The striker signed from Arsenal at the age of 16 has transformed himself from a skinny schoolboy into a goal-getting all-round centre forward.
Now 18, Brown showcased his talents in Friday’s 2-1 Barclays U21 Premier League defeat by Norwich City at Rush Green, smashing in an unstoppable 25-yard shot, hitting the crossbar and seeing two more well-struck efforts saved by the Canaries goalkeeper.
On another night, the frontman could have taken the match ball home with him, but neither a hat-trick nor a victory came his way.
“I felt we were on top with all the chances we created,” he observed. “We kept it tight all game but then a couple of mistakes at the end cost us dear.
“On another night I think I would have had two or three goals, but it wasn’t to be. I kept it going but I just need to tidy up on a few things and keep improving. Of course the aim is to score goals and keep hitting the target, which I felt I did.”
After seeing two efforts turned aside by Norwich goalkeeper Mark Bunn, another kiss the crossbar and two more fly narrowly wide, Brown finally found the net five minutes after half-time.
When it arrived, the goal was something special, with the teenager collecting 25 yards out before hammering the ball high into the top right-hand corner.
“I wouldn’t say it’s the best finish I’ve scored, but it was a good goal. It got a slight deflection, but they all count!” he smiled, before admitting that the Club’s youngsters need to learn how to close games out.
“We have had a young team, but we’re all good players and I think we’ll all learn from this hard phase we’ve been going through and eventually the results will come because our performances are getting better.
“Personally, I’m trying to improve every day and adapt to U21 football. Even though I got a look-in last season, it was hard for me, so I’m trying to work on my game and improve so I can be a shining light at this level.”