Debutant Braybrooke Striving For More

- Sammy Braybrooke gave his take on Leicester City’s victory over Newport County
- James Justin and Jamie Vardy scored the goals at King Power Stadium on Tuesday
- The Foxes youngster made his first team bow as a second-half substitute
- It’s an experience he will always cherish, the 18-year-old told LCFC TV

The Academy prospect came off the bench for the final 15 minutes of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup Third Round tie against Newport County, helping the Foxes to see out a comfortable 3-0 win over the Sky Bet League 2 outfit.

James Justin’s stunner sent the hosts on their way at King Power Stadium and a Jamie Vardy double secured a safe passage into round four.

In the aftermath of his first appearance, Braybrooke, who has been a regular for the Club’s Under-21s side over the past two seasons, took time to reflect on a special occasion for him and his family.

“Being a part of the first team is what you want to do week in week out,” he told LCFC TV. “To be a part of it in a cup competition where, if you lose you’re out, is something different, but I thought we did well and it was really enjoyable.

“That’s what I’ve wanted to do ever since I joined the Academy. Just work my way up and see where you get to, but hopefully into the first team and getting minutes as you’ve seen other Academy graduates do, like Harvey Barnes and Luke Thomas. You just want to follow in their footsteps and then build on that once in there.

“When you join the Academy and you see players in the first team, you definitely think it is a good club to be at. You know that if you’re good enough, you’ll get the chance and that's what us Academy boys want really.

“I had my mum, dad, grandma and granddad there, so they were happy for me. It’s a good day for the family.”

Previously named in the matchday squad for both Premier League and European fixtures, the central midfielder made the next step in his emerging career as he continues to grow as a promising young talent.

And ahead of his senior bow, the 18-year-old revealed that encouragement from manager Brendan Rodgers helped to settle his nerves and allow him to enter the pitch with freedom and confidence.

The England youth international added: “When he calls you up and says you’re coming on in five minutes, your heart starts pumping and you get a bit nervous and you think about what you’re going to do when you go on, but he gives you words of wisdom before you do.

“He was telling me that he believes in me and to do what I do best - play my game and don’t change - and that makes it a lot easier. He knows what I can do, he’s seen me in training and in the Development Squad.

“I’m pretty happy with it for my first appearance. I just kept it simple, did my job and hopefully I can build on this. You’ve just got to cherish these moments and then look forward to more in the future.”