Pitt proud of Dudziak progress with Arsenal

Harrison Dudziak's time at Braintree was his first loan spell [Getty Images]

Braintree Town boss Steve Pitt has expressed pride at seeing former loanee Harrison Dudziak on the Arsenal bench for their midweek Champions League game.

The 20-year-old did not make it onto the pitch against Sporting CP but his involvement was a sign of the progress he has made since his spell with Braintree in December and January.

"It's unbelievable. He did extremely well for six games and only went back to Arsenal off the back of an inherent injury," Pitt said.

"Ironically, he would have come back at the end of March had there been a requirement for a midfield player which, at the time he was offered back to me, there wasn't," Pitt told BBC Essex.

"I just think it's an extraordinary story. I don't think it would have happened at any other club ever in the National League. It gives me immense pride that we've been part of that journey.

"I think if you spoke to Harrison himself - and I dropped him a message - he'd probably acknowledge that those six games were crucial for him in terms of his development."

Pitt added: "It's kind of a 'pinch me' moment. It beggars belief. Of course you'll have players that have maybe played in the Champions League and then through their career journey have ended up playing in the National League but I can't believe it's ever happened in reverse, and certainly not at this stage of the competition.

"He's a great lad with lots of ability, doesn't shy away from the physical side of the game. He came in and immediate impact. He started every game and justifiably so.

"I'm proud of the little platform we've given him to escalate that in a three-month period, I wish him all the best."