Oxford United youngster opens up on ‘surreal’ Aaron Ramsey influence

The youngster scored his first goal for the U’s on his professional debut, bagging his side’s first goal after half an hour in a 2-2 draw in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy.

Aaron Ramsey’s side came from behind twice to level the scores at St James Park before losing 4-3 in a penalty shootout which saw the Grecians pick up an extra point.

Bradney, who has been at Oxford since the age of seven, played the full 90 minutes in Devon and impressed in midfield just as he did in pre-season, tucking away Luka Lynch’s ball across with composure.

“Surreal,” the 18-year-old exclaimed after the match

“I broke into the box and, obviously as a midfielder, I try and get on the end of things and try and add goals to my games, so to do that on my debut is a surreal feeling.

“It’s something I’ve worked really hard for for a long time.

“I’m trying to be a player that plays league games and I’ve been at the club since I was seven so it’s all I know.

“The club means the world to me so I’m trying to get as many games as I can. I’ve got to keep working hard.

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“I know that it’s really tough because there’s so many good players in the team but…I believe I can.”

The young player has been handed an opportunity by new head coach and former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey and is thriving under his tutelage.

“It’s been amazing,” Bradney continued.

“I feel like for me as a player, as a young midfielder, I feel like I can’t really ask for anything better than him.

“The way he’s come in and put his faith into me and played me in pre-season has been amazing.

“I’m just trying to work hard every day and train as hard as I can to try and develop and repay some of the faith that he’s put in me.”

The match against Exeter unfortunately ended with a saved penalty in the cup competition which will only become an important learning curve in the teenager’s development.

“I’m always trying to put my name forward to take penalties or take big moments in the game and that’s just the sort of player I am.

“I’m trying to be impactful in the game and I’m not afraid to fail.

“So, I know that in a game like this, I believed and I backed myself that I would score and I’ve practised that so many times.

“It’s just so frustrating that I’ve not scored today.

“It’s really, really disappointing, but I’ll definitely keep working and take the next one for sure and hopefully it’ll be a different outcome.”