Fulham’s Jerome Opoku has told the Lancashire Telegraph how delighted he was to get a start for Accrington Stanley this weekend, even if they did come out on the wrong side of the result.
John Coleman’s side were beaten 3-1 at home by Sunderland, the second time they’ve lost to the Black Cats at the Crown Ground this season. They took a fifth-minute lead, but goals by Aiden McGeady, Marc McNulty and a belter from Lynden Gooch killed the game off before the interval.
Opoku was making his first start in the Football League, having made his debut from the bench against Bristol Rovers.
“I was delighted to get the start and get 90 minutes under my belt so it was good, but as a team we expect to do better, so now it’s about focusing on the next game on Tuesday and getting the win,” he said.
He also confirmed that he can play anywhere across the defence, giving Coleman some options. His side have shipped six goals in their last two matches and have not kept a clean sheet all season.
“I’ll play wherever the manager really wants me to play, and I’ve played left-back a couple of times, obviously my main position is at centre-back but I’ll do a job there also, so that doesn’t phase me at all.”
Opoku has previously turned out for the Cottagers in the EFL Trophy, as well as captaining their Under 23 side in the Premier League 2.
Our View
Stanley are struggling, fourth from bottom and only kept out of the relegation zone by virtue of the division having 23 teams, not 24.
They’re shipping goals and don’t have the financial means by which to compete at this level.
Loans are going to be vital and Okopu will be learning fast this season. Under 23 football can not prepare a player for the stress and strain of a League One relegation battle.
