Dedication and hard work paying off for Bryan

by Ryan Booth

Kean Bryan is keen to repay the faith shown by Athletic supporters ahead of the tasty Sky Bet League One derby trip to local rivals Bury tomorrow.

Over 2,000 advance tickets have been sold prior to the clash with the Shakers and Bryan hopes to reward the loyalty demonstrated by the club’s fanbase as Athletic aim to stretch their unbeaten run to five matches.

“I’d seen it on Twitter that all the tickets had been sold – it’s unbelievable,” said Bryan.

 “When you hear them [Athletic’s away support] on the pitch, you get that extra boost to give that little bit more.

“All you can do is really thank them and hopefully we can repay the support they’ve shown us.”

The 21-year-old defender, who is on loan from Premier League leaders Manchester City, made his professional debut for Bury, although Bryan admits he is fully focused on helping steer Athletic away from the drop to the fourth tier.

“I had a good time at Bury, unfortunately due to injuries I didn’t really play as much as I wanted to,” added Bryan.

“It’s full of good people there, it was my first ever loan and I made my professional debut there – so it’s going to be a big day on Saturday for me as well.

“But that’s irrelevant right now, I need to get my head focused on the game and keep playing how I’ve been playing.

“Right now, my focus is truly on keeping Oldham in this league and going forward.”

Bryan has enjoyed a largely impressive campaign at SportsDirect.com Park this season, but the former England Under-20 international is quick to acknowledge his team-mates’ roles in his development.

“Having a person like Gez [Anthony Gerrard] stand next to you – who’s played over 500 league games – as a young player and 21-year-old, there’s nothing better,” said Bryan.

“I couldn’t ask for much more than having an experienced player like him next to me.

“Johny [Placide] is a great character.

“He’s a very technical footballer, he gets involved in our training sessions now – he’s that good with his feet.

“The main thing is keeping the ball out of the back of the net and at the moment he’s doing that, so all the praise goes to him.”

First team coach Paul Terry feels Bryan’s success is largely down to the youngster’s dedication.

Terry said: “You can tell where he’s come from in Man City. He’s got that class.

“It’s not always easy for these players coming from the top sides into League One, some players don’t always apply themselves right.

“Kean does, though. He lives right, he trains right, prepares right and plays right.”