Tosin Wants More

U’s youngster Tosin Olufemi made his full debut last week due to Ryan Dickson’s illness, and he looks set to cap off an exciting couple of months by putting pen to paper on a new three-year deal.

The 19-year-old has played regularly as an attacking winger during his stint with the U’s youth set up, but he emerged as a real substitute for Brian Wilson during an impressive pre-season.

However, illness to Ryan Dickson meant that Olufemi was thrust into the U’s starting line-up last Friday night in the draw with Carlisle, and he is set to cap off an exciting time with a new deal.

‘I wasn’t expecting to start,’ he told the official site after the game. ‘I enjoyed my pre-season and I was quite involved, and I work hard in training to try and prove myself.

‘The senior players encourage you and give you the confidence to prove what you can do rather than always being safe.’

Mid-way through the first half, the youngster was presented with an opportunity to draw the U’s level after good work from Sanchez Watt. Despite aiming for the far post, it dipped inside and struck the bar.

However, despite playing in an unfamiliar left back role, Olufemi insists that he still has his attacking instinct to create similar opportunities in any future appearances he may get.

‘I was trying to open myself out and, unfortunately, it hit the bar,’ he explained. ‘I did think it was going in but, hopefully, I’ll get another chance.

‘I enjoyed being a full-back, but I can still get forward, create chances and try to cause problems for the other full back, so I do enjoy it. I feel a lot sharper and I’ve learnt a lot.’

There was also praise for Olufemi from his manager, Joe Dunne, who also backed up the youngster’s naturally attack-minded style of play.

He explained: ‘Tosin is full of enthusiasm, he stuck to his task and he nearly scored on his debut, too, but he’s naturally a forward player so he’ll be disappointed he didn’t score!’


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