Sammy Braybrooke targets Leicester breakthrough after loans and new midfield role | OneFootball

Sammy Braybrooke is pushing for a first-team breakthrough at Leicester after three straight loans, with the club preparing for League One.

"You're counted on, people see you as an important player, there's no place to hide. You've got to turn up for the club," he told LeicestershireLive.

Wigston-born, he joined at six and rose under Brendan Rodgers, training with senior stars and debuting in a 3-0 win over Newport County in 2022. Rodgers called him outstanding and team-mates nicknamed him mini Modric and the Leicester Iniesta.

An ACL injury in early 2023 halted progress, then a difficult Dundee loan ended with Ruud van Nistelrooy recalling him after eight appearances. He later shone at Newport and Chesterfield, making League Two’s Team of the Season as the Spireites fell short in May.

Russell Martin says developing academy players is central to his plan and he does not want to put too much pressure on them. He praised Braybrooke as a really good player who must believe he belongs.

"I've enjoyed it, I think it's something I've got to get used to," Braybrooke said. "Obviously throughout my short career, I've always played as a six. But I feel like I've got the ability to play as a No.8, but it's just adapting to it. You've got to look at it as an opportunity to make your mark, that's what it's all about now in League One. Hopefully I can impress the manager as much as possible and we'll see what happens."

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk