Oxford United's Batt happy for brother at Crawley Town (From Herald Series)

Oxford United's Batt happy for brother at Crawley Town

10:10am Friday 16th March 2012 in United News By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

DAMIAN Batt insists the pleasure of seeing his brother playing again outweighs the fact the striker is turning out for Oxford United’s promotion rivals Crawley Town.

Shaun Batt was on the sidelines for more than 18 months with a cruciate knee ligament injury, but the forward is back to full fitness.

Millwall have sent the 25-year-old on loan to Crawley, putting him in direct competition with his older brother Damian in the race for promotion.

The U’s defender said: “It’s an interesting move, but he needs to go and get games because he’s been injured for nearly two years.

“No matter where he was going to go I was just pleased that he’s playing games and finally back on the pitch because it’s been a hard time.

“Some things are more important (than club rivalries), I was injured for nine months once and that was hell for me so I can imagine what it’s been like.”

The one disappointment for Damian is United have already played Crawley twice this season.

He said: “It’s a shame because I’ve never played against him – he might’ve been on the left wing as well so that would have been a nice little battle.”