CALLUM Niven believes his loan spell at Redditch United has enabled him to get back to his best afterscoring four goals to help the Young Brewers secure an important 5-3 win against Scunthorpe.
It was a thrilling game at St George’s Park but Niven’s goals got Burton back into the game on two occasions before scoring two more to earn the Burton Albion Professional Development Phase side their first EFL Youth Alliance win since August.
Speaking after the game, the striker was delighted to get back to scoring ways, “I’ve had a run of games where I haven’t scored, probably three or four games, so just happy to score four goals again.”
The Young Brewers started the game well, but found themselves 2-1 down until the 35th minute, when the striker fired home and helped the team get into half time level, which Niven believed helped the side keep their heads up.
“It was important for us as a group, we haven’t had the best run, we’d lost quite a few on the bounce, won last Saturday and getting that early goal gave us more confidence to kick on with the rest of the game.
“If we go into half time 2-1 down, heads are down but we got the goal, so heads were up, we were confident, talking to each other, it gives everyone that bit of a lift before the break.”
After going ahead, Burton held off Scunthorpe from creating any real opportunities and Niven was keen to offer praise to the defence.
“That’s what we expect from them, they do it every game, they throw their bodies on the line trying to keep clean sheets, didn’t happen today but I thought they were very good.”
Niven has recently spent time at Redditch United and he felt the experience has put him into good stead on his return to academy football.
“It was good to get some experience in men’s football, in and around a different set of players and a different style of play which gives me more to add when I come back here and try and influence the game.
“Especially playing against a bigger centre half, that’s probably what I’ve learnt the most while being at Redditch, how to use my body and play against a much bigger player, so I feel like that’s going to be a massive part of game.”
Burton travel to Doncaster next as they look to build on their last two performances, and the striker is excited for the challenge.
“I’m looking forward to it, another chance to score some goals and another chance to get three points on the board.”