JACOB’S CRACKER HELPS EARN STOKE GOALSCORER FIRST INTERNATIONAL CALL
JACOB Brown says Saturday’s ‘gritty’ 1-0 win over Luton Town has given him as much satisfaction as winning the game by a far more convincing scoreline.
The tireless frontman was on the scoresheet for the second time in three matches to earn the Potters all three points at Kenilworth Road, and cement the side a spot in the play-off positions.
Speaking following the triumph - the side’s second on the road this week - the in-form Yorkshireman spoke of his delight at the manner of the triumph.
“It’s always nice to get a win, and sometimes a gritty 1-0 away win gives you as much, if not more, satisfaction than a big victory,” he said.
“Obviously, you always want to go out there and win three or four-nil, but that isn’t going to happen in this league, so to put in two gritty performances like we have is really pleasing.
“We had words after what happened against Cardiff last weekend and had meetings to look at one or two things.
“We have responded really well to that disappointment by winning back-to-back away games and keeping cleansheets in both.
“It is a really nice way to sign off for the international break, it puts us in a good position in the league and sets it up nicely for when we return.”
The 23-year-old is now preparing to turn his attentions towards international action for the first time, having been named in Steve Clarke’s squad for Scotland’s forthcoming World Cup 2022 qualifying double-header with Moldova and Denmark.
“I am really excited about it – it is a real honour for me,” he beamed.
“I never really expected this to happen, to be called up internationally but it has happened and I have got to make the most of it and show my worth now.
“I know that I have been on the periphery before, but I didn’t believe it would happen.
“Steve Clarke called me up the day before and told me, and it was such a proud moment – I called my family and told them and they are all absolutely delighted for me, and incredibly proud.”
And Brown issued a heartfelt thank you to
his City teammates as he prepares to switch his attentions to international action for the first time.
“I have been working really hard to get this recognition and I genuinely didn’t believe that it would happen, so it is an incredibly feeling.” he said.
“When the lads found out about my call up, I was still on the training pitch doing a bit of extra finishing work, and they all came out clapping me.
“It was a really special moment for me, and it was so nice to have that kind of support from the lads.
“It truly does mean a lot to me, they have all been so nice and congratulating me and I have to thank them enormously for that.
“I am pretty sure they have all seen exactly what it means to me to receive this sort of recognition for the first time – it has been tough to keep the smile off my face.”
Brown will link-up with his new teammates for a warm weather training camp in Spain before taking on Moldova and Denmark, knowing a solitary victory would be enough to guarantee the nation a playoff spot.
“I am just going to go out there now and enjoy the experience – these things don’t come around too often,” he added.
“It will be a great experience for me, and even having the gaffer (Steve Clarke) at the Luton game
– I knew he was going to be here and it just gave me even more motivation.
“To be able to get the goal and to grind out the win in front of him is really pleasing. Now I want to go and meet my teammates and help them in any way possible!”