The attack-minded right-back spent the latter part of 2008/09 with Aberdeen, making 14 appearances, and since his return to City he has pushed himself into contention in the Blues’ senior squad.
City’s pre-season tour to South Africa saw 20-year-old Javan make appearances in all three games, but the third was curtailed by a nasty cut to the shin. The injury was quickly shaken off and his development has continued to the extent that he has made the bench for the recent visits of Arsenal and Fulham.
Reflecting on an excellent few months for him, Javan said: “I’ve been involved with the first team quite a lot so far this season and I’m really enjoying it at Carrington. The trip to South Africa was fantastic and things were going really well until I was injured during the final game of the tour.
“The coaches are all very supportive and I can feel my game improving all the time. I’m still learning and I spent most of last season out on loan so it’s good to be back training alongside the calibre of players we have at this club.
“It was a great experience for me at Aberdeen. I’d been out on loan once before at Grimsby Town for a month, but playing regularly in the SPL for six months was brilliant. It was a good standard and it brought my game on a lot. I’ve played in front of massive crowds and it got me used to playing competitive, men’s football rather than just academy or reserve games.”
The time spent north of the border stood Javan in good stead when he got the nod from Mark Hughes to take his place on the bench against Arsenal, although the City Academy graduate admitted:
“I was a bit nervous, but the experience of playing against Celtic or Rangers for Aberdeen prepared me for playing in front of a packed stadium, so it wasn’t too bad. I’m ready to play – that’s for definite and I can’t wait to play for the first team. Until then I’ll just concentrate on my doing my best, work hard in training and see what happens.”
You can read more about Javan in the new City Magazine, which also features Kolo Toure, Jack Redshaw, a review of the season so far and much more all for the bargain price of just £2.50!
