Getting To Know: Roraigh Browne

The academy question-and-answer series shines a light on some of the best upcoming talent at Watford, quizzing a selection of Young Hornets about their journey in and outside of football.

Next to take on the questions is highly-rated goalkeeper Roraigh Browne.

The 17-year-old, who joined the Hornets in 2019, is a first-year scholar who has featured in both the Under-18 and Under-21 squads this season.

How would you describe your playing style?
I’m good at shot-stopping and in one-on-one situations - they are my key attributes. I’m more reserved off the line, but I will always come from crosses. Being dominant in the box is hugely important.

Your footballing idol?
Joe Hart was always really good in one-one-one situations, and he always had a huge amount of power. Thibaut Courtois is another one who is really dominant. I watched him in the Champions League final where he set a really good example for academy shot-stoppers.

Biggest influence?
Before I joined Watford, I had a coach named Daryl who really motivated me to reach the next level and improve. I think my last Under-16 coach, Armand Kavaja, was able to cultivate a great environment and pushed us further as a leader. He inspired me a lot.

Most talented teammate?
When we move up with the Under-21s I train with Myles Roberts and Vincent Angelini. In terms of handling, they are really clean; if they catch the ball, they hold it, and if they parry it, it goes to a safe area. They are hugely consistent at keeping the ball out of the net. They have spoken to me about not letting mistakes get to you and having fun, in the right way, during training. They have been a huge help.

Favourite football memory?
I was playing for the Under-14s when I first went on trial at Watford. We had a tournament at Chelsea, and I think we were drawing 1-1 and it went to penalties. They must’ve taken eight or nine penalties, and I think I saved four or five. I remember really enjoying myself. There were lots of people watching and I was very nervous, so when I made those saves I was really happy.

Your aims for the future?
The only thing I can aim for at the moment is getting a professional contract. My entire focus is on that. As for my career as a whole, I would love to be a part of the professional game for a long time.

Best advice you’ve received?
Accept that you’re going to make mistakes even before the training session or before the match, so when it does happen you accept it and you learn from it. Also being grateful is really important. If I’m ever feeling nervous in a game, I’ll look around and I’ll look at my feet, and I’ll see I’m wearing nice boots, I have my gloves on and my family is watching - it gives you a bit of perspective.

Your job if you weren’t a footballer?
I’d love to be involved with sport either as a coach, a sports psychologist or a physiotherapist. If I had to pick one, it would be sports psychology because it is something that interests me quite a lot, especially being a goalkeeper, which is quite tough mentally.

How would you rate yourself on FIFA?
Diving: 86 - I’m confident in my diving ability and being able to cover my goal.
Handling: 84 - It’s all about being consistent.
Kicking: 84 - When I joined Watford my kicking wasn’t great, but it’s got a lot better. I used to stay and do extras with Gabriel Ortelli to improve.
Reflexes: 82 - Being a taller goalkeeper, I think it’s a little bit harder for me, but I try my best.
Speed: 70 - My sprinting is fine, but my agility is something I could improve on.
Positioning: 84 - Not my strongest point, but not something I’m bad at.
OVERALL: 86