Matthew Briggs had an impressive first-team debut what seems like eons ages at Middlesbrough in a rather low-key end-of-season game under Lawrie Sanchez. He’s not featured in the first team picture since, although he’s been a regular in the reserves for the past couple of seasons.
Briggs seems to be some way off being ready for the Premier League, which is understandable when you consider that he’s still only 18. He’s been capped by England at both under-19 and under-20 level and remains highly thought of down at Motspur Park. He’s been allowed to join Leyton Orient on a month’s loan deal, with Roy Hodgson presumably thinking that first team football will beat scratching around in the reserves.
Orient manager Geraint Williams is happy with his signing.
We go out to watch Premier Reserve League games on a regular basis and Matthew has always impressed us. He’s a left-sided defender, who is comfortable on the ball and we feel that with his mobility he will add to our defensive options, giving competition for the defenders already at the club.
Briggs has gone straight into the squad for the O’s rearranged fixture against Yeovil Town at Brisbane Road tonight.
