Golbourne keen to grab his chance

Athletic’s loan signing Scott Golbourne, with Tommy Wright.

ATHLETIC’S lengthy search for a left-back has finally ended with the loan capture of Reading reserve-team player Scott Golbourne.

The 20-year-old, who is thirsting for first-team football, will spend the next month at Boundary Park where he is likely to make his debut in Saturday’s derby against Stockport.

Golbourne, who played for England at under 17 and 19 level alongside the likes of Theo Walcott, James Vaughan, Joe Hart and Michael Mancienne, has had limited opportunities with the Royals where he was understudy to England international Nicky Shorey for a long while.

And with his contract at Reading expiring this summer Golbourne, who made one Premier League appearance for the Royals at Bolton, is eager to put himself in the shop window.

Golbourne, who revealed that Coca-Cola League One rivals Carlisle and Huddersfield had also been pursuing him, said: “I have been keen to go out on loan since the transfer window opened and there has been interest from a number of clubs.

“I am looking forward to coming here to play some football and it is nice to also be part of a push for promotion.

“Depending on how things go, maybe I will be able to stay for longer than a month.”

Golbourne, who has played in all four divisions having also had a loan spell at Bournemouth, kicked off his career at Bristol City where he played in the first team at the age of 16 and was one of their youngest-ever players.

Reading bought him for a reported £250,000 three years ago and had he a season-long loan at Wycombe Wanderers in 2006/07, helping them reach the semi-finals of the Carling Cup in which he featured in the two games against Chelsea.

Manager John Sheridan, who tried to borrow Golbourne last season, is delighted to have finally landed the player who will provide extra defensive cover.

He said: “Scott is a natural left-back and somebody who is quick, likes to get forward and takes good care of the ball. He plays the game the way I like it to be played .”

“Obviously he is going to give us a better balance as we needed somebody in the side who is left footed.

“It is a good opportunity for him to come and play some first-team football.”