MARCUS Browne has revealed the support he is receiving from a Premier League legend goes well beyond a couple of tweets.

Rio Ferdinand wished the 20-year-old luck when he joined Oxford United on loan from West Ham United in July.

And the former England captain, who also came through the Hammers’ youth ranks, messaged Browne was on fire following his sensational display against Rochdale last month.

The brace against Dale took the winger’s tally to seven goals in what has been a breakthrough move for a player who joined having clocked up just 29 minutes of competitive football in his career.

But it turns out Ferdinand is a regular source of advice for the rising star, who is gearing up to face Blackpool at the Kassam Stadium tomorrow.

Browne said: “Rio knows my agent really well, so we work closely.

“We’re in constant conversation about how I’m doing and he gives me advice.

“We do message each other and chat to make sure I’m keeping my head down and staying focused.

“He’s a person with a lot of experience, so when people like that try to help then you can’t do anything but listen and take it on board.

“It does help.”

It is more than just Ferdinand taking notice of Browne’s form – defenders across Sky Bet League One have been keeping close tabs on him.

That has seen him come in for plenty of physical treatment.

He said: “Personally I take it as a compliment.

“If I was a defender and I had someone who kept getting joy in forward areas I’d want to kick him as well.

“I’d expect nothing less, to be fair.”