'I am a father now' - Middlesbrough loanee Akpom insists he's matured after goal for PAOK

Middlesbrough loanee Chuba Akpom has insisted that he has matured following his first goal in his second spell at Greek club PAOK.

The Arsenal academy product opened the scoring as PAOK defeated Lincoln Red Imps 2-0 in their opening game of the Europa Conference League on Thursday.

Having missed at least two scoring opportunities, Akpom managed to find the net two minutes into first half stoppage-time when he tapped home after brilliant work from Lucas Taylor down the right.

In the second half, the Super Eagles hopeful thought he had scored again for the Thessaloniki side but it was chalked off for offside.

Asked how much he changed within this year that he wasn't playing for PAOK, Akpom said to PAOK TV post-match : "First of all I am a father now, my son is seven months so I've definitely matured as a person off the pitch.

"On the pitch it has been a difficult season for me last season but I feel like it's a clean slate for me playing with the coach that believes in me and I'm excited for the season."

Akpom has now registered nineteen goals in 81 appearances for PAOK while providing ten assists.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : paokfc.gr