Chance for Reece to shine

REECE BROWN: the 20-year-old warmed to the task at Bramall Lane.

REECE Brown could have been forgiven for dancing a jig of delight after the final whistle blew at Bramall Lane.

Back among the first-team action after previous spells at npower League Two club Bradford City last season and Doncaster in the Championship earlier this term, the 20-year-old grew into the contest against a powerful Sheffield United side and played a big part in steadying the defensive ship during the unlikely victory.

And the Manchester United player — part of the England squad who were famously coaxed into showcasing their finest dance moves in a Colombian airport on arrival for the Under-20s World Cup in the summer — admitted he was delighted to get his chance with Athletic.

“It was Thursday night when (Manchester United reserve-team boss) Warren Joyce ’phoned me after training to see if I would like to come down and get a few games,” said the younger brother of Sunderland defender Wes.

“It wasn’t a move I was going to turn down, as I am at the age when I need to start playing first-team football. So far, it has gone very well.

“It was a good game. We went 2-0 down but we believed in ourselves, improved and got three goals.

“I started off a little nervously, but in the second half I was more composed on the ball and did better.”

After receiving a yellow card, Brown admitted he feared a red in the second half when penalised for hauling down Will Hoskins. Thankfully for him, referee Jon Moss felt a free-kick was sufficient punishment and he is expected to line up against Scunthorpe tonight.

It means one less midfield headache for Athletic manager Paul Dickov to contend with.

“It should be a good game,” added the midfielder, who can also play in defence.

“The manager (Alan Knill) used to be at Bury and when the weather was bad they would come down to Carrington and play us in little five-a-side games. It is one I am looking forward to.”

There is also a chance that Brown may extend his loan beyond the length of the original agreed month.

“I want to play as many games as I can and if I can get them here, I would want to stay,” he said.