Debutant striker comments on his big evening
- Flo Bojaj reviews win over MK Dons
- Youngster made his Huddersfield Town debut
- Striker describes his journey to the First Team
Flo Bojaj had a debut to remember last night, creating a goal in Town’s 2-0 win against MK Dons.
Bojaj has impressed in the Under-21 side all season and found himself emerging from the bench for his professional debut in added time in midweek after three previous games as an unused substitute.
In only a few minutes, Flo did enough to get his first professional assist – seizing on a poor pass from Dons ‘keeper David Martin before setting Jamie Paterson in for the second goal.
“It was unbelievable!” Flo told htafc.com post-match.
“As it was my debut I was a bit nervous, but I remembered everything that my Under-21 Manager taught me, Frankie Bunn. I put that on board so I pressed, read the ‘keeper’s pass and I put Paterson in for a brilliant finish.
“The Manager told me press them, get hold of it and get everyone up the pitch. When my first touch came I played an alright pass into the middle and I could have scored if (Sean) Scannell had cut it back. I cannot complain though, can I?”
It’s been a relatively quick rise to professional level for Bojaj, who joined the Club’s Academy at Under-18 level after a successful trial whilst playing for Hertfordshire college side Borehamwood.
“I had an alright first season, scoring over 25 goals, but it was hard at first. Not just the football either; I had come from home, left your family and came to live with another here. It was weird, so I had to adjust.
“I was 17 and I lived in an area called Marsh in Huddersfield with a lovely family. It was good because I needed a second mum; I could only cook pasta and chicken!”
Before joining the Terriers Bojaj, who was born in Kosovo, played for the Albanian Under-17 team in somewhat surprising circumstances.
He explained: “I am actually from Kosovo; my family actually came over as refugees to this country when I was very young.
“I was playing Sunday League football. An Albanian scout saw me because I was scoring quite a few goals and I went over to the Under 17 squad.”
The 19 year-old forward believes his first appearance for the First Team has instantly made him feel more ready for the big stage:
“When I come back to training on Thursday I will be much more confident. All the lads congratulated me and helped me all the way through the night, so I am really grateful.
“The Manager said well done to me after the game. He had told me he would give me a chance because I have done well with the 21s and it was up to me to take it, which I tried to.”
The only disappointment for Flo last night was his family were not in attendance to witness his debut – although he only has himself to blame!
“They wanted to come up to be fair, but I just was not sure if I would come on or not and I told them not to! It my fault and they’ll be a bit gutted.”
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