Simon Brown is confident his current good form will earn him a crack with one of England's top football clubs in the future.

The giant 26-year-old Colchester United goalkeeper, winner of many man-of-the-match awards this season, is enjoying the form of his life in the Second Division.

And he is aiming to put on another star-studded display to catch the eye of the major club scouts who are certain to be watching the U's attempt to halt the progress of runaway table-toppers Wigan Athletic on Saturday.

The former Tottenham Hotspur youngster, currently in his fourth season at Layer Road, said: "As a professional footballer I am always looking to better myself.

"That's what I came to Colchester for - to play first team football - but as happy as I am at the club I hope it's only a stepping stone on to greater things.

"I've spoken to the manager and he's told me that's what every player should be aiming for. I'm still contracted at Layer Road for the next year-and-a-half, but I'm always looking to push my career forward and nothing would make me happier than if a bigger club came in for me so I could make a bit of money for Colchester."

Brown, as a 14-year-old schoolboy, saw off 12 other young goalkeepers for the Spurs youth number one spot, culminating in a glamour FA Youth Cup final against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

He said: "I am enjoying the best form of my life. I'm working very hard at my game and I'm happy with the ball, both in my hands and at my feet."

Published Thursday, January 16, 2003

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