Campbell made an impressive return to match action

Diminutive wide man Campbell, who hails from Scotland, certainly has the pedigree to make an impression in the game, as trials at world famous outfits Manchester United and Glasgow Celtic indicate. The 19-year-old has had to put his entire career on the back-burner over the past twelve months, though, after suffering a debilitating knee injury.

Just a week after netting in the first Under-18s clash of the campaign at Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2004, Campbell, who is Scottish by birth but who has also represented England as a youth international, was innocuously fouled in the Biscuitmen’s first home fixture of the season and suffered serious cruciate ligament damage.

The youngster, then 18, had set up a goal in the 1-1 draw with the Black Cats when his foot was stuck in the turf, Reading official website, www.readingfc.co.uk, reported. Speaking to that site, youth team boss Brendan Rodgers revealed, “There was no blame on their player – it was one of those where it is more serious than we first thought. He was in pain when it happened but it was more serious afterwards.”

Having returned to light training in April, right at the end of the campaign, the five-foot seven-inch wide man had managed just forty minutes before his appearance for Blues’ Twos yesterday afternoon. That was long enough for Steve Tilson to be impressed by his influence on proceedings, and Campbell had two decent shots on goal before setting up Max Porter for another good chance during a fine first half display.

Speaking to TLG, Tilson said, “I thought he did well considering it was his first full match for a year. We will speak to Reading again this week with a view to him coming down and training with us next week, and we will take things from there.” Reading’s official site goes one step further, speculating that the teenager, who has a one-year contract at the Madejski Stadium, could link up with the Shrimpers on a season-long loan deal.

Campbell has been with the Royals since the age of 11, signing a two-year professional contract in the aftermath of his debut, made in a 3-0 win over Watford at the end of the 2002/3 campaign. He finally chose to play for the country of his birth in November 2002, when Scotland’s Under-17 side came calling.

A month earlier, he spent a week at Carrington training with Manchester United as the Berkshire side tried to forge closer links with the Red Devils. Following his failure to build on his debut, he also linked up with Celtic in April 2004. He struggled with his physical fitness, much like players such as Michael Kightly and James Lawson have done at Roots Hall, and the spell on work experience with the Glasgow Giants for a month helped him to concentrate on recapturing his form.

Campbell has impressed many during his time with Reading. Youth coach Brendan Rodgers gushes praise on the youngster, whilst both Alan Pardew and Steve Coppell were willing to aid his progression into the first team, which has stumbled in recent times. Even the fans were heard calling his name in the clash against Watford in which he made his debut as a substitute.

Having caught the eye with a man-of-the-match display against Oxford United’s second string this August, Campbell could now be in line to link up with Mitchell Cole for Southend and make the League One club a side to be genuinely fearing out wide. Most clubs in the division have built their teams on width, and United should be no exception. This could be an exciting time for Campbell and the Shrimpers.

Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com