Teenage striker Jovan Malcolm admits he can’t wait to experience League One football and hopes it comes this weekend.
The 18-year-old has signed for the Reds on a season-long loan from West Brom and he is confident he can make a big impression at the Wham Stadium.
With Dion Charles on international duty, Malcolm is hoping to get the nod against Shrewsbury on Saturday and he wants to enjoy his first experience away from the Baggies, the team he has been with since he was seven-years-old.
“My transfer was quiet until deadline day and then my agent was banging on my door at some stupid time in the morning saying you are going to Accrington,” smiled Malcolm.
“I didn’t know a lot about Accrington except they are in League One and that was enough for me, it sealed the deal.
“But, for an 18-year-old coming from West Brom, it’s a chance to experience men’s football and I am looking forward to it. I want get in the team and score as many goals as possible.
“I live for games, I can’t wait for the experience. I love stuff like that, I need the challenge.”
It is Malcolm’s first time away from home but he knows it’s a vital part of his career.
“Coming out on loan is part of the journey. It’s rare you see players go straight through to the first team at Championship or a Prem club so I always knew I would have to come down, learn the game and adjust to things to better myself and be ready for the men’s game.
“My strengths are attacking one-v-one and sharp play in the final third and scoring goals and then to add to my game, adjusting to different types of football, long balls, winning headers and things like that.
“Before I came here, they said a lot of young players have been playing here. I know James Trafford as we went to the same England camp and I spoke to him and he said that it's good up here for experience so it made the process easier to come and sign.
“This loan is so good, it’s only a league away and if I do well here, I am back in the minds of West Brom, it’s positive.”
The full first interview video with Jovan is available to watch on the club's official YouTube channel, CLICK HERE to find out more!