Kells teenager Rodney loving life at Linfield

The 18-year-old, from Kells, scored his first senior goal for the Blues against hometown club Ballymena United on Saturday.

Brown’s fledgling career began in local footballing circles before making the switch to Windsor Park.

“I played for Carniny Youth in the mini soccer from P1 through to P7 - that’s where it all started for me,” Rodney told Times Sport.

“When I was younger I played for Ballymena for two years at under-12 and under-13 levels.

“This is my fifth year at Linfield and it’s unbelievable to be in the first team - even more so to score a goal in my third game.

“If anyone had told me I would be in the first team in the first week in September I would have laughed at them.

“I did the entire pre-season with the first team and then my first game was against Warrenpoint and I stayed in the team the next week. It’s amazing to know that you’re in the squad, especially with the quality within it.

“Coming onto this stage after two years in the Swifts, you get no time on the ball at all - it’s so quick and the quality of the play is brilliant.”

The Sport student at the Northern Regional College’s Farm Lodge campus admits he can’t wait to return to class this week.

“Joe McCall (United’s Head of Youth Development) is my teacher - I get a bit of stick from him the odd time so I’m looking forward to seeing him on Tuesday!” laughed Rodney.