Bruce so Kein on young star
KEINAN DAVIS scored his first goal for Aston Villa to leave Stevenage red-faced over their decision to release him two years ago.
The League Two club decided the striker wouldn’t make the grade and he was playing for Biggleswade’s Under-18s when his potential was spotted by Villa.
Now 19-year-old Davis, who also helped set up two goals for Albert Adomah, is being tipped for a great future by manager Steve Bruce.
Rise
Bruce said: “Keinan’s young and a bit of a throw-back who hasn’t come through all the nonsense of the academies. He’s had to fight and didn’t give up.
“Now he must keep his feet on the ground. He’s had a wonderful rise in the last month and come from nowhere to be in the team.
“He’s been picked for England Under-20s and now he has got his first goal, so I’m delighted for him. It shows that non-league football can be a great route.”
Davis’ strike partner Jon Kodjia also rates the teenager highly and said: “He is very, very strong. He has pace and knows how to score.
“He 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.”
John Terry, almost twice Davis’ age at 36, led Villa to their third successive clean sheet.
Bruce said: “He was fantastic and rolled back the years. As stupid as it sounds, I think John will only get better. Bringing him in was a no-brainer.”
Barnsley’s next game is at Wembley tomorrow night when they face Tottenham in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
Defender Matty Pearson said: “Hopefully it will be one of those ties where the underdog does well. I’m looking forward to it.”