WHILE Brendan Murphy spent long periods of time on the Harriers' bench failing to make his Football League debut, teenager John Danby got his lucky break on Saturday.

The 18-year-old had to fill Stuart Brock's boots after the keeper's controversial red card.

Stoke-born Danby immediately settled down by calmly rising to collect a free-kick.

But with only youth-team and reserve team football behind him at Harriers, he could admit to a fair amount of nerves in front of more than 6,000 people.

Danby, who then helped Harriers to the Worcestershire Senior Cup final on Monday, said: "As soon as Brocky was sent off, the nerves just rushed straight through me.

"I didn't know what to do and I started off by running the wrong way to warm up!

"But when that free-kick came straight to me, I was alright. If it had have been five or 10 minutes later, it would have been worse.

"And I would have been more nervous if I had have fumbled that first catch.

"I've played in front of 2,000 people before when I was 15 in France in a European contest.

"But the atmosphere was nothing like it was at Luton. The Harriers fans behind the goal were good and helped me."

Danby, who has represented the West Midlands and picked up plenty of honours with Harriers' successful youth team, is now keen for more games under his belt.

But that will depend on Brock's suspension and if boss Jan Molby decides to bring a loan keeper in.

However, after signing full-time until the end of the season, the youngster is keen to remain part of the plans for 2002/03.

Danby was at West Bromwich Albion's school of excellence and has been on trial at Crewe Alexandra, Shrewsbury Town and Aston Villa.

He added: "I was hoping to play in the youth team next year and stay part-time again.

"But then Ian Britton gave me a call and asked me if I wanted to turn full-time.

"I was a salesman at Powerhouse. I'm a little worse off now financially but it will be worth it in the long run.

"The last time Brocky was sent off, we already had three subs on so Brendan Murphy could not play. I suppose I was in the right place at the right time!"