Brad Young has made three appearances in all competitions for the Pirates and is ready to take his chance in the team after keeping his first clean sheet in the Vertu Trophy on Tuesday night.
With Luke Southwood on international duty, the 23-year-old had a quiet evening for the most part against Cheltenham Town, as Rovers eased into the knockout stages with a 1-0 victory. However, the shot-stopper was forced into a sharp stop to push wide Ryan Broom's low drive across the box.
It was a proud moment for Young, but he had to work hard to get on the pitch on Tuesday night. Picking up an injury soon after his Sky Bet League Two debut against Newport County, he had his eyes on Rovers' Vertu Trophy fixture against Cheltenham.
Brad Young returned from injury last Saturday, springing back into action with many strategic saves. Despite a loss to the Saddlers, Young secured his first clean sheet for the Gas against Cheltenham Town in their Tuesday Vertu Trophy clash.
“I think that it was unfortunate just after the Newport game, and I always had it in my mind that I wanted to play the game in the Vertu Trophy," he said. "It was nice to get back."
"I’ve recovered pretty well, I’ve felt alright. Touch wood, I haven’t had any repercussions or any setbacks. So, it’s been pretty smooth sailing. It was nice to get a game in.
“It was a good feeling [to keep a clean sheet]. Obviously, I’m pleased we're through to the knockout stages. So, it was good. We always have a clean sheet mentality going into the games; it gives you the best chance. It was a positive.”
With Luke Southwood away with Northern Ireland for their World Cup qualifiers against Slovakia and Germany, Young has another chance to impress. His only other Sky Bet League Two fixture was in Rovers' 3-2 victory over Newport County, with the goalkeeper knowing it is his time to step up.
“I think obviously when I signed here, I knew Luke was coming in, we were just going to have a go.
“We made each other better every week, and I know that when Luke goes away, it’s my time to step up and obviously step up because of the good work that he’s been doing.”
"We've got good confidence in the group, we're solid, and I feel safe behind the defence, and hopefully, I fill them with confidence as Luke has done week in, week out. It's a good group and I'm enjoying it.
After losing to league leaders Walsall last weekend, Rovers have another tough test against a team flying high in the fourth tier. Milton Keynes Dons are fifth in the table, one point above Rovers and are unbeaten away from home this term. Young knows the match against the Dons will be a test, but he is up for the challenge.
“MK are a good side," said the goalkeeper. "They’ve signed a lot of good players, but we’re a good side. We’ve signed a lot of good players.
“I think it should be a great game and I’m looking forward to it. You can’t take any teams lightly, and we don’t. We prepare every game as if they’re the best team we’re going to come up against.
“We look forward to it, we’ve prepared right. We’ve got the date, we’ve got the information, and it’s time to put what the staff have given us on show.”
After leaving Luton Town in midweek, Tom Lockyer has been at The Quarters Training Facility to train with the Rovers squad. Captaining the Hatters in the Premier League, Lockyer is back at the Pirates after making 284 appearances for the Gas, where he achieved promotion from Conference Premier and Sky Bet League Two.
For Young he is delighted to be working with an experienced defender and has looked for advice from the 30-year-old.
“Look, obviously, he’s come back fit," he said. "What he’s done for the club in his career, it’s someone to be around. Really good. It’s really positive.
“Like I said, you can always get information, especially playing in defence, me being behind him. I can ask his thoughts on things, what he would like from his goalkeepers.
“Obviously, he’s only been in a couple of days, but that’s been positive.”
