Shropshire Star

Premier League star Troy Deeney urges brother Ellis to star with AFC Telford

Troy Deeney has urged younger brother Ellis to 'stamp his mark' on AFC Telford United after turning down more lucrative offers to join them.

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Midfielder Deeney, 26, signed for the Bucks in January from fellow National League North strugglers Tamworth.

He has made seven appearances for the third bottom side and is yet to score.

The Watford striker wants his sibling to stand up and be counted during the run-in, and said: "He's good. The thing with my brother is he needs to settle down and have someone believe in him.

"I think he's got that with the management here.

"Obviously (Telford boss) Rob (Edwards) being an ex-Wolves player as well, he understands the game and I think he gets through to my brother.

"Ellis can play but he needs to come and stamp his mark on this team now.

"I think it's a project they're building, moving forward. They've teamed up with Wolves as well in terms of getting some loanees.

"It's a good project for Ellis to be part of."

Bucks man Deeney was in the youth ranks at Villa before spells at Worcester City and Tamworth, while 29-year-old Troy made his breakthrough at Walsall and is captain of the Hornets in the Premier League.

Telford are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Nuneaton Town on Tuesday night as they head to Alfreton Town tomorrow – weather permitting.

Striker Deeney watched on from the stands at the New Bucks Head, after doing a question and answer session with supporters beforehand.

"Ellis could build something here. It's local, 45 minutes from home for us so it's not a big commute," said the top flight star, who hopes his younger brother will make the most of his 18-month deal with the Bucks.

"Sometimes, especially in non-league, you can have 12 month-offers from up north and stuff.

"There was offers (with) a lot more money but, for him, he's got two kids and just wants to enjoy football."

He added: "Ellis is a realist and if he can do well here, I'm sure they'll want to keep him.

"If it works for the club, it works for Ellis as well. It's mutually beneficial."