Brady earns chance to impress

Ireland U21 winger Robbie Brady has been promoted to Manchester United’s squad for their pre-season tour of South Africa and China.

The 20-year-old has yet to make his United first-team bow but impressed on loan at Hull City last season where he played 39 times.

Alex Ferguson rewarded the Dubliner with a two-year contract extension and has shown further faith by including him in Monday’s travelling party.

United’s first of six friendly games takes place on Wednesday against Amazulu and they’ll also meet a Shanghai Shenua side featuring former Chelsea players Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka on July 25.

Brady has been the standout player for the Irish U21s in the past 12 months with his haul of six goals one of the factors in him claiming the FAI player of the year award. It’s understood Ferguson yesterday made a decision to give him a chance in pre-season.