Young: Brilliant To Play In This Competition

- Reflections on the 2024 HKFC Soccer Sevens tournament from Brad Young
- Leicester City’s Under-21s claimed the Shield competition trophy on Sunday
- The young Foxes goalkeeper scored the winner in the final against Rangers
- He also saved two penalties to beat West Ham United on penalties in the last four

The Foxes ‘keeper was the hero in the final against Rangers, dramatically scoring an extra-time golden goal which won the game 2-1 to finish the campaign on a high, having been part of the squad that were beaten at the same stage in 2023.

“It was nice,” the 22-year-old commented following the tournament’s conclusion. “We got this far last year in the competition, and we fell up short, but to get the winner as well myself, it's a nice way to finish the season.

“It’s a brilliant competition to play in and it's fun to play. The games are great and to come away as Shield winners, it's good. But we go again, rest up for the summer and come back for pre-season.”

Defeated 2-1 by a last-gasp Brighton & Hove Albion goal in the Main Cup Quarter-Final, the young Foxes responded by winning the Shield Semi-Final on penalties against West Ham United; Young saving twice in the shootout to go through 4-3, having drawn 2-2 in normal time.

The Sunderland-born shot-stopper explained: “Our aim coming here was to win the main competition. But we fell up short against Brighton, and then we reacted well, and we came out and we beat West Ham on penalties.

“I was a bit disappointed. I should have saved two more, but to do that and help the lads, it was good and obviously Silko [Thomas] coming back from suspension for the game, he's been a big part of our season and he was a big part of tonight as well.”

Thomas scored the opener in the final, but after leading for almost the whole second half, the Glasgow club equalised with virtually the last kick of the game. City then had to pick themselves up again and Young stepped up in the crucial moments.  

“I think it was the last seconds of the game,” he added. “There was no time to dwell on it. We were straight out there four vs. four and we knew we can't lose that because that would be heartbreak. But to do it the way we've done it, it's pleasing. And then obviously, to get the goal, it's nice to finish.

“I was just walking with the ball. I laid up Brandon [Cover] just before and I got it back and it was cleared off the line, and then I thought, this time I'm selfish. I'm going myself, and I'd like to say I caressed it into the corner, but no, I just smashed it and see what happens.”