EREN Kinali is determined to build on his Southend United debut.
The 19-year-old winger played the final 14 minutes in place of Brandon Goodship at Burton Albion on Tuesday night.
But Kinali is determined to secure more first team opportunities.
“I’m very hungry for more opportunities but I’m willing to work harder and give it my all,” said Kinali.
“Making my debut was very pleasing. As a kid you dream of moments like that.
“I felt very good coming on and I just focused on trying to make a big difference.
“But I felt comfortable and that was thanks to the senior players around me.”
Kinali is the latest youngster to work his way through the youth ranks at Roots Hall.
And the winger has been with Blues for the past few seasons after impressing in a trial match.
“I’ve been at the club since the under-15s now,” said Kinali.
“I was at Interwood FC and I was spotted after scoring a hat-trick in a trial match against Southend.”
However, Kinali - who has impressed for the under-23s this season - also benefited from a spell out on loan at Southend Football League side Royston Town last season.
“Going out on loan helped my game massively,” said Kinali.
“It allowed me to see the other side of the game and that helped me build as a player too.
“I really enjoyed it and it was definitely a valuable experience for me.”
Kinali was an unused substitute for the Shrimpers against AFC Wimbledon in the Leasing.com Trophy last month.
And Blues boss Sol Campbell was pleased to hand the winger his senior debut against Burton.
“Eren’s done well for the under-23s and it was good to bring him on,” said Campbell.
“It’s difficult when you’re coming into a first team and things are like this with the way our results have been going.
“It’s obviously easier to come into a winning team when everyone is more relaxed but he’s done well.
“He played really well in the behind closed doors game on Saturday and it was good to be able to get him out there.
“He’s energetic, willing to learn and is a good lad too so I’m sure he will keep working hard.”
Kinali, who is based in London, will now be hoping to stay in the Shrimpers’ squad for Saturday’s trip to Bristol Rovers.
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