ALAN YOUNG has no qualms with the way Andy King has tried to 'protect' his football development but the Swindon lad is not scared of the spotlight.

The 18-year-old striker is gradually being let off the leash by his manager, but Young accepts that King's caution is understandable.

After a year of ankle problems, Young is now back to full fitness and wants to start causing havoc for Second Division defences.

But while some teenage prospects let a taste of fame go to their heads, Alan Young is a footballer with his feet very firmly on the ground.

He said: "It's nice to read positive things about yourself, but there's no way I'm going to let it all distract me from improving my game.

"The gaffer's been really good like that, keeping my feet on the ground and telling me that I've still a long way to go.

"All that interests me is enjoying my football and doing well for Swindon Town. I'm not looking any further than that. But it was nice the other night to hear the buzz from the crowd when I came on. Maybe they relate to me because I'm the local boy."

At 5ft 6ins the Swindonian is among the smallest players in the league, but that doesn't bother him in the slightest. Just don't mention the unwanted PA cry of 'Young Alan Young'.

He hates it.

He said: "You can't do anything about your size. This is the Second Division and you are going to get kicked and buffeted. But I have faith in my ability and I just want a chance to show the gaffer what I can do."

Young's only first team goal came in last season's FA Cup win over Ilkeston Town but he knows he has to dislodge three senior pros if he is going to add to that strike.

"Yes, it would be nice to start, but the boys up front are doing really well at the moment. Eric, Danny and Graz have been different class recently. I'm just excited to be involved."

King believes that Young already has a quality that fellow strikers Danny Invincible and Eric Sabin need to develop.

He said: "What I will say about Youngy is that he is not afraid of going in where it hurts. You won't score goals unless you take a chance. No striker builds up a goal tally unless he is prepared to get in where the boots are flying.

"One thing the kid does is gamble. He will risk hurting himself to get in positions to cause damage. I think that's a lesson for Danny and Eric. Sometimes they need to be more selfish. But Youngy will have to be patient.

"I've said this before but what the kid also has, as well as ability, is the way he comes on and gives everyone a lift, players and the crowd. That can be very important."

Town's reserve clash with Cardiff City was postponed yesterday due to the state of the County Ground pitch after the first team's game with Huddersfield.