Defender Yeboah Amankwah has had his first taste of being an Accrington Stanley footballer and now he wants more.
The 20-year-old is on a season-long loan from Man City and made his debut, playing the first half of the Papa John’s Trophy opening Group G clash with League Two Barrow on Tuesday, a game Stanley won 5-4 on penalties after drawing 2-2 in 90 minutes.
“I enjoyed it, it was a great atmosphere,” said Amankwah. “It’s something I have been looking forward to since the lockdown and playing 23s with no fans, I wanted to get back out in front of fans and it spurred me on to want to do better and I want to play.”
The defender was on loan at Rochdale last season but injury hampered his time there and now he wants to make the most of this League One experience.
“For a centre back, it’s important to get experience. Centre back is a very trusted position and it’s important to get out and learn your trade so that’s what I want to do here, I want to kick on.
“I can learn a lot here, the defenders here are all experienced, they have been playing in the league, they can teach me things I might not have played against.
“For example, different types of strikers, big strikers, ones that have hold-up play in behind, and I will definitely be looking to gather all the information I can so when I play I can put it into my game.”
Amankwah says he knows this is the right move for him at this stage of his career.
“There is a trust between Man City and Accrington. You can see the way Accrington play, the aggressive style and that’s what City saw in the club and they thought it would suit me.
“It’s about the player as well and it feels like it’s the right step for me. I wanted to come, play for Accrington and show my abilities.
“I try and take each game and training session as it comes and I will always give 100 per cent.”
He has played for Man City Under 21s in the EFL Trophy, now the Papa John’s Trophy, and he is hoping to get a run of games to give him vital experience.
“At Man City, we have had games against league sides in the Checkatrade and that was a great experience. I have had a little taste of it and I want more.
“That gave me a real insight into men’s football, how physical it can be. Every game is important, whether league or trophy, and I am looking to play as much as possible.”
The full interview video with Yeboah is available to watch on the club's official YouTube channel, CLICK HERE to find out more!