REECE Brown is hoping to keep new signing Jermaine Pennant off free-kick duty after netting the first goal of his career on Saturday.

The 25-year-old utility man has admitted his 35-yard set-piece goal against Walsall had a huge slice of fortune when finding the top corner of the net.

But in the same match former Liverpool and Arsenal winger Pennant also made his debut – a man with a mean reputation for dead-ball strikes.

Now the two players will have to battle it out on the training ground for free-kick control – a healthy competition that can only drive up the standards for Chris Brass’ side.

“It was a fluke,” Brown said of his free kick against Walsall. “I just wanted to try to get it into the box and I’ve over-hit it a bit and luckily it’s gone in.

“I’ve never scored. It’s my first ever goal.

“Let’s just hope Jermaine doesn’t start taking them now.

“He’s been in the Champions League and has played for big teams in the Premier League so it’s a big bonus for us having him in the team.”

Brown first joined Bury in August 2015 but made only 19 starts in 39 appearances last season.

David Flitcroft, then Bury manager, opted not to renew the defensive midfielder’s contract and he signed a short-term deal with Sheffield United at the end of last season.

After an unsuccessful spell at Bramall lane where he tallied only five appearances, Brown was released and re-signed for the Shakers three weeks ago.

Now the former Manchester United youth-team graduate is looking to kick-start his career once again after a frustrating 18 months.

Brown said: “Last year it was one of them – I’d only ever play if someone was injured. I felt it was a bit like, no matter how well I played, I would always get taken out of the team as soon as the bigger lads like the Kelvins (Etuhu) or (Tom) Soares were available.

“That’s one of the reasons why I didn’t really want to stay again. I took the gamble and ended up going to Sheffield United but now I’m back and it’s good to be on the pitch playing.

“I feel very comfortable there in defensive midfield. I would say it’s my best position. I feel comfortable on the ball and I do prefer playing there.”