Hampton & Richmond Borough loan goalkeeper George Legg has revealed his Christmas whirlwind is par for the course for a young professional.
The 19-year-old signed a 28-day loan deal on with the Beavers in Christmas Eve after Brentford loan keeper Mark Smith was recalled to Griffin Park.
The Reading U21 star was thrown in at the deep end for Boxing Day's 3-2 derby triumph over Staines Town that ensured Hampton were level on points with Ryman Premier League leaders Dulwich Hamlet at the turn of the year.
Legg is no stranger to the non-league scene, having starred on loan at both Hendon and Chesham United before being recalled to the Madejski stadium three weeks early from a three-month loan spell with the latter.
The Tilehurst-based goalkeeper played a part in United's memorable FA Cup adventure this season that ended at Bradford City in the second round.
Unmoved: Reading goalkeeper George Legg in action on loan for Chesham United earlier in the season
More than 600 fans watched his Beavers debut on Boxing Day and he reckoned it was water off a duck's back.
“I never do things in half measures. And I’m not referring to shots at bar," he said.
“From my time in football, I’m aware that things can change very quickly. You always have to be prepared for the unexpected, which is part and parcel of being a professional sportsman.
“On Wednesday [December 23], I was training in the gym and glancing generally over the forthcoming fixture list.
"Twenty four hours later, I find myself signing for Hampton and preparing for, arguably, their biggest league game of the season.
“When you go out on loan, you don’t have much time to think about too much else other than the next game.
"Irrespective of that, I prepare for each match as I would do for a Reading U21 fixture."
Brendan Kiernan, who netted the winner against the Swans on Boxing Day, agreed a deal to remain with the Beavers until the end of the season prior to Saturday's postponed trip to Leatherhead.
The 23-year-old former AFC Wimbledon star has scored four goals since joining Hampton on loan from Bromley and admitted it was a no brainer to make the move permanent.
On the move: Former AFC Wimbledon man Brendan Kiernan has been in sparkling form since arriving at the Beavers from Bromley
“I’m really happy to sign. All I have ever wanted to do is play and I’m loving life at Hampton," he said.
"I’m in the team and the team is playing very well and getting win after win.
“It’s a great time to be involved. We’re playing good football and there are partnerships developing all over the pitch at the minute.
"The dressing room is a fantastic place to be, it was an easy decision for me to stay on."
He added: “The main thing is to stay where we are and keep winning.
"Few people expected us to come on so strong – I’m here to help get the club promoted, it’s pretty straight forward.
"I wouldn’t have signed if I didn’t think that was a strong possibility."
Nicke Kabamba made his loan move from Hemel Hempstead Town permanent on new year's day.
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