Steve Evans has tipped Bristol Rovers goalkeeper Brad Young to reach the Premier League and play for his country, comparing him to former Leeds United prodigy Bailey Peacock-Farrell. Young, 24, signed a contract extension with the Gas until 2030 last week after a successful campaign.
Evans handed Peacock-Farrell his professional debut in April 2016 at Leeds; the Northern Ireland international went on to play four times in the Premier League for Burnley. Speaking to Bristol Live, Evans said: 'Brad has all the tools in his game to play in the Premier League and play for his country at full international level. I said the same of Bailey Peacock-Farrell when I gave him his EFL debut, and I was right.'
Young replaced Luke Southwood as first-choice goalkeeper in mid-January and started the remaining League Two games, helping Rovers finish 14th. He made 27 appearances across all competitions, keeping nine clean sheets. With Jed Ward and Southwood transfer-listed, Young is firmly the number one for the 2026/27 season.
Evans added: 'Providing he keeps focused, develops and stays humble, he has every ingredient to be better [than Peacock-Farrell]. This was great business by our Chairman, and it gives Brad the stability he needs.'
Young's extension is part of early summer business at the Memorial Stadium, with Richie Smallwood and Kofi Balmer joining permanently, while Ciaran Kelly and Ben Purrington are also expected to arrive as Evans aims for promotion back to League One.
