‘He was at at crossroads 18 months ago’ – Gavin Bazunu’s brother Todd in the frame for Shamrock Rovers contract
Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley has hailed Todd Bazunu, younger brother of Ireland number one Gavin, as a top prospect with the 16-year-old in the mix to earn a professional contract at the Hoops this summer.
As he progresses through the champions’ academy system, just like his 22-year-old brother did before securing a move to Manchester City in 2018, the goalkeeper has been involved in and around Rovers’ first-team set up since last summer.
The Hoops boss revealed that the Transition Year student was at a crossroads 18 months ago when he was considering his future in the game, and praised parents Green and Cara for not putting any pressure on the young ‘keeper, particularly with having such a high-profile brother.
“Todd is in with us a lot. He does schooling and trains with us every morning. He’s one of the young ones who will be up for discussion now in the next month or two regarding pro contracts. He is doing really well, really well,” said Bradley, ahead of Shamrock Rovers’ clash with Premier Division leaders Shelbourne tomorrow night (8.0).
“Todd is his own man. He is very, very talented. He has his own path, he will write his own story, but if he keeps focused and keeps working hard you'll see him in the near future.
Bradley also praised the academy prospect for staying focused on himself and not getting caught up with the fact that his older brother is an established Ireland international, as well as being Southampton’s number one, with the club currently one match away from a return to the Premier League.
“He doesn't to be fair. I don’t think they are the type of family who buy into that crap. Gavin is Gavin, but you speak to his Mam and Dad, and they speak about Todd like they speak about Gavin, they don't look at it any differently,” added Bradley.
“They have never put pressure on Todd. Todd was at a crossroad 18 months ago if he wanted to play or not and they just left him be.
“He is the one who has come around to (it). He wants it for him, not for anything else. They don't think like that and Todd doesn't either. Obviously Gavin doesn't. He is working hard at the moment but has real potential.”
Ahead of tomorrow’s Tallaght Stadium clash against Damien Duff’s Shelbourne, who Rovers sit six points behind, Bradley said that the fitness of Lee Grace, Dylan Watts and Richie Towell will be assessed today after the trio all missed Monday’s 1-0 win over Derry City.
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