Birmingham City: The youth team player with more than a hint of David Beckham about him

Mar 14 2009 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

ASHLEY Sammons has outlined his intention to upset the established order.

The talented midfielder will be a key player in Blues’ bid to reach the FA Youth Cup semi-finals on Monday when the Academy side take on Watford at St Andrew’s, from 7pm.

And whilst the 17-year-old is absolutely determined to help his team make their mark, he also has designs on forcing his way into Alex McLeish’s plans.

Sammons was in the squad for the midweek trip to Barnsley and had a taste of first team action in pre-season.

“I’ve got belief in myself,” said Sammons, who signed his professional deal in November.

“I was absolutely thrilled to be given my contract, but it’s just the start as far as I’m concerned.

“I want to break into the first team and, given a chance to perform, I’m confident I can do that.”

Sammons caught the eye with a man-of-the-match performance in the friendly at Forest Green Rovers, where he overshadowed more seasoned team mates.

“I felt at home on the pitch, alongside people like Lee Carsley, which was a great experience,” said the former Langley School pupil.

“I was really happy to be in that environment and I’ve since been on the bench [in the FA Cup]. I want more of that and I’ve always been fully prepared for that, to step on and do a good job for the club at that level.”

Sammons’s style is reminiscent of one of the ball-playing central midfielders of old, a Micky Hazard or John Sheridan.

And there is more than a hint about him of his hero, David Beckham, in the way he carries himself and his body shape when delivering a pass or cross.