Deeney not fazed by United

Man Utd v Burton Albion Old Trafford, 8.0When Saul Deeney gazed into the television cameras after Burton Albion's goalless draw with Manchester United 10 days ago, the young goalkeeper from Derry appeared almost embarrassed to be hailed as the non-league club's saviour.

An injury-time save with his leg had denied Alex Ferguson's side a late winner, though, that apart, Deeney spent much of the afternoon, not unlike the 6,000 fans crammed into Burton's Pirelli Stadium, admiring the work of those in front of him.

Tonight's FA Cup third-round replay promises to be a different proposition, however. Deeney, who on Monday signed a contract with the Conference club until the end of the season, is expecting to get his gloves muddy from the first minute against a United team anxious to restore some pride after Saturday's derby defeat.

"I imagine I'll be a lot busier than I was in the first game," says the 22-year-old with a touch of understatement.

It will be the first time that Deeney has visited Old Trafford since he enjoyed a stadium tour in his schooldays, though the presence of 42 friends and family, who will make the journey from Derry, should ensure he feels at home.

He has not even considered the possibility that Nigel Clough's side might cause a giantkilling to rival all others, though he is determined the result should not affect his "once in a lifetime moment".

"This is the biggest game of my career and will probably be the biggest I'll ever have in my life," says Deeney. "To be walking out at Old Trafford, seeing the crowd and hearing the Burton fans singing your name will be amazing. I'll enjoy every minute of the spotlight while it's on me and hope it's for the right reasons. There's no reason why I shouldn't enjoy it. As long as I come off the pitch having given it my best then I'll be happy with myself."

Ross Flitney, Barnet's goalkeeper, who is a year younger than Deeney, no doubt harboured similar thoughts when he arrived at the Theatre of Dreams for a League Cup tie back in October, though what should have been the most memorable match in his career ended in a lonely, tearful walk from the field after he was dismissed inside 90 seconds.

Deeney, though, prefers to point to the experience of Exeter's teenage goalkeeper Paul Jones, who kept a clean sheet at Old Trafford 12 months ago, to show just what can be achieved.

Ferguson is likely to field a slightly stronger side tonight than he did on that occasion, though Deeney is not shuddering at the prospect of reading through United's teamsheet.

"I'm not fazed about facing (Ruud) Van Nistelrooy, (Louis) Saha or whoever it might be," insists Deeney.

"You play football to play against the best players in the world and now I've got the chance to do it. Hopefully one day it will be something that I'm doing regular. Any young boy wants to play in the Premiership and I'm no different."

That has long been Deeney's dream though his ambitions were derailed in the summer. Despite making 38 appearances for Notts County last season he became embroiled in a contract wrangle with the League Two club that led to him leaving for Burton in acrimonious circumstances. "(Notts County) decided to offer me a contract which was unacceptable," says Deeney.

He could not have a better opportunity to showcase his ability than at Old Trafford tonight, though it is the prospect of impressing Burton's army of almost 11,000 travelling supporters that will be uppermost in Deeney's mind. "I'm not thinking about it being a shop window," he says. "I just want to give it my best shot. I know if I do that, I'll do everyone proud."