BIGGLESWADE TO THE BIG-TIME
Villa’s former non-league kid shows he’s Keinan eager
KEINAN DAVIS has taken a giant step on his journey from Biggleswade to the big time.
Aston Villa’s 19-year-old striker scored his first league goal in an impressive victory that eased the pressure on his boss Steve Bruce.
Yet, it is less than two years since he was playing for Biggleswade Under-18s after being released by Stevenage – a decision that looks certain to haunt the League Two club.
Bruce kept faith with Davis at Oakwell despite the return of John Kodjia, and paired them together for the first time.
“Keinan is young and a bit of a throwback, as he hasn’t come through all the nonsense of the academies,” said Bruce. “He’s had to fight – and he didn’t give up.
“Now he must keep his feet on the ground. He has had a wonderful rise in the last month and come from nowhere to be in the team. He has been picked for England Under-20s and now he has got his first goal, so I am delighted for him.
“It shows that non-league football can be a great route.”
Kodjia, who started his first game since breaking an ankle last season, has been equally impressed by Villa’s new young gun.
“I like his football game. He is very, very strong. He has pace. He knows how to score goals,” said Kodjia (below, celebrating with scorer Albert Adomah). “Keinan is a quiet boy in the dressing room and he tries his best every day in training. You can tell he loves being a professional footballer and wants to make it count.
“That attitude will be big for him. I think he has a bright future because he has the talent and the attitude. I look forward to working with him more.”
Davis was also involved in the build-up to Villa’s other goals from Adomah (below, scoring the opener), who came up with the perfect response after being dropped by Bruce. “He was disappointed but has gone about it in the right way and said, ‘I will show you, give me my chance’,” said Bruce. “He’s just said to me in the dressing room, ‘Don’t ever leave me out again,’ so good for him.”
Barnsley defender Matty Pearson said: “We gave away two soft goals in the first half that killed us. Apart from that, I thought we held our own against an experienced side. We are getting to grips with this league.”
Barnsley’s next game is at Wembley tomorrow night when they face Tottenham in the third round of the Carabao Cup. “I’ve never played at Wembley before so it’s going to be a good test,” Pearson said.
“Hopefully, it will be one of those ties where the underdog does well. I’m looking forward to it.”