'He's certainly not let Arsenal down' - Hitchin manager sings the praises of Okonkwo

Hitchin manager Mark Burke lauded Anglo-Nigerian goalkeeper Brian Okonkwo after his side's 1-1 draw with Nuneaton Borough in a Southern League Premier Central Division match on Saturday. 

Okonkwo joined Hitchin on a one-match release loan to provide cover for Charlie Horlock, who was not available for selection after he was sent off for receiving two yellow cards.

On what was his senior debut, the 17-year-old was unbeaten until the 45th minute when Kane Richards opened the scoring.

Mark Burke reckons that the Arsenal loanee gave a good account of himself but noted that he struggled with the ball at his feet at times. 

"I thought he was excellent. I don't think he's used to that sort of [long] kicking, his quads might be a bit sore… welcome to non league football!" Burke told Hitchin Nub News 

"The fans were giving him a little bit of jovial banter behind the goal and he took it well… he's certainly not let Arsenal down, he's made them proud".

Brian is the first player in the intake of Arsenal's academy scholars for the 2022-2023 season to make his senior debut.

And in doing so, he followed in the footsteps of his sibling Arthur Okonkwo, who made his professional debut during his loan spell at League Two club Crewe Alexandra in July 2022.

The younger Okonkwo started his career as a striker before becoming a goalkeeper. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : arsenal.com 

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