After finally breaking his duck on Tuesday night, forward Olufela Olomola is hoping to kick on in an Iron shirt and add more appearances and goals to his tally.
The 23-year-old netted what proved to be a consolation in the Papa John’s Trophy against Mansfield Town in spectacular fashion, rifling home an effort from 25-yards.
Speaking following the game to iFollow Iron, he said: “On a personal note, it was obviously great to get my first goal for the club but ultimately we were disappointed with the result.
“Definitely, in terms of a professional goal, it is my best - 100 per cent.
“It was my second game back since my injury. I’m still trying to get my fitness and match sharpness up, so there’s a lot more to come from me. I thought I made a good impact when I came on. I just need to keep working hard in training and hopefully get more game time. It’s a case of building it up.”
Coming back for his third season at the club, Olomola was eager and ready to go until he suffered a hamstring injury in a pre-season friendly which set him back three months.
He spoke of his frustration of that in what is an important season for him: “It was gutting. I worked so hard during the first COVID lockdown and I worked hard during pre-season too to try and be ready for the season.
“To have my season start the way it did was very disappointing. It’s happened now and now I need to get on with it. I’ve been at the club for over two years now and I’ve not really shown the club and the fans what I can do. This year, I need to put that marker down.
“No one has seen my full potential and hopefully that can change very soon.”
Reflecting on the performance of the team on Tuesday night, which included 10 changes from the FA Cup encounter on Sunday, Olomola continued: “Apart from the 10-minute spell, I thought we were the better side.
“We showed what we can do on and off the ball, but we need to defend better in the spells when we’re not on top in games. As a team, we need to be stronger and do the ugly stuff in those periods.
“There’s no shying away from it, we need to start picking up points. It’s important now to just focus on the league and get ourselves up the table. Hopefully that can start on Saturday.”
Following two substitute appearances in quick succession and making a favourable impression, particularly on Tuesday, the former Southampton forward is hoping he’s played his way into the manager’s thinking for the weekend trip to Oldham.
“I hope so. Any chance I get, I’m going to take. Whether it’s starting or on the bench, whatever opportunity I’m given, I’m going to take it with both hands,” he stated.
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