Gatlin O’Donkor’s remarkable progress continued with a second senior goal as the U’s beat Charlton at the Kassam Stadium last night.
“It felt good” the young striker told iFollow today. “Everyone was a bit down after the game at Ipswich so it was nice to get the goals and get the result. We have a lot of games at the moment, that’s two games in the last three days so all you can do is get back to training and try to recover and go again against Exeter on New Year’s Day”
The unassuming O’Donkor has quickly become a favourite with the fans and scoring two goals so early in his career, both at the home end at the Kassam Stadium, has helped him settle in the First Team, even if both goals came from around a yard out…
“I don’t mind that” he laughed “as long as they go in. It was my first touch I think. I always try to be in the box when crosses are coming in and if there is a shot at goal then I always try to be on my toes in the box as well. I’ve gone on from the bench a few times now. The Gaffer always tells me just to stay calm when I am going on but I do always want to make an impact.”
Gatlin is the latest product of the thriving Academy and is likely to be part of the Under 18s side who take on Cardiff City at the Kassam Stadium the night after the U’s take on Arsenal in the FA Cup.
“That will be great” he says. “I have played here a few times now but the first time you play here in front of fans is always amazing. That’s what you want to do when you are a boy or coming up through the Academy. You want to make that step up and play in front of the crowds and find out what that is all about. And when it does happen then you want to make an impression and an impact on the game. That’s not always easy but you definitely have to try to enjoy it.
“Don’t forget that we are playing in front of the Gaffer and all the staff in those FA Youth Cup games and that always makes you want to catch their eye and do all you can.
“It’s easy to get caught up and think ‘people are watching so I’ve got to do more than I usually do', but you can’t get caught up in that. Just enjoy it, give it your all and hopefully the result follows and we get through.”
And that ‘give it your all’ attitude has quickly made Gatlin feel at home with the United fans who chanted his name from the moment he went on to the pitch:
“I honestly appreciate it so much. They have made the transition so much easier for me. I am learning all the time; I’m not always going to be able to protect the ball as much as I want to yet but if I do give it away then nobody is on at me, they are all there encouraging me and on my side. That’s a great feeling and I want to thank the fans for that.”
See the U's in home action on New Year's Day against Exeter City. Tickets are available:
- ONLINE HERE
- By calling 01865 337533
- From the Ticket Office on the day