South African teenager Shandre Campbell has been named in the 22-man squad for their first leg tie against Aston Villa in the Last-16 of the UEFA Champions League.
Campbell, 19, was promoted to the Brugge first-team squad in January after impressing with the club’s reserve team in the second tier of Belgian football.
Having joined the club from SuperSport United in a reported €800,000 (R15-million) switch, Campbell has made the most of his chances with Club NXT, scoing six goals with an assist in 15 games whilst also featuring with Amajita in the U20 Cosafa Cup.
He won the Player of the Tournament as they secured qualification to the U20 Africa Cup of Nations and has duly been rewarded for his rapid progression, when he made his Jupiler Pro League debut in their 2-2 draw with Sint-Truiden last month.
Now head coach Nicky Hayen has named him in their 22-man squad to face the Premier League side, with the first leg set to take place at the iconic Jan Breydel Stadium on Tuesday at 19h45.
The teenager is likely to be named on the bench for the clash, but will be itching at the chance to gain an opportunity in Europe’s elite club competition.
