JEVANI WILL KEEP HIS FEET ON THE GROUND

CAMBRIDGE United manager Shaun Derry has played down the hype surrounding his Non-League startlet Jevani Brown amid reported interest from Championship suitors.

The 23-year-old forward was plucked by the League Two U’s from St Neots Town over the summer and has become an instant hit at the Abbey Stadium, especially over the Christmas period where he has chipped in with goals against Notts County and Newport County and a man-ofthe-match display against Barnet.

Derry, the former QPR and Sheffield United midfielder, is clearly an admirer of the goal ace will ensure the striker keeps his feet firmly of the ground.

“He will go on to play at a higher level – without a doubt,” Derry said.

“But he’s got to be a good pro and do his work, do his extras and make sure his diet’s right – all those things which people don’t judge you on when it’s a Saturday afternoon.

“But he does listen, which is great. You look at young players and wonder whether they’re coachable, and Jevani is. To be coachable and score and have a finish like that gives him a hell of a chance.”

The Letchworth-born forward joined Cambridge after a long spell in Non-League football, playing for the likes of Barton Rovers, Arlesey Town and, more recently, St Neots.

Brown scored 19 goals in as many games for the Saints in the EvoStik Southern Premier League last season before getting to nod to step up into the professional game.

“We’re helping him because he’s not been a professional,” Derry added. “With the greatest of respect, he’s been at St Neots and he’s swept roads, and that’s been his background.

“It’s a case of slowly but surely. He’s not going to go from sweeping the road one week to playing for Manchester United the next, is he?

“He’s got to be on that journey, and he’s definitely on one at the moment.”