BLONDY Nna Noukeu wants his loan spell at Southend United to help add to his family’s impressive list of international athletes.

Nna Noukeu's father Patrice played football internationally for Cameroon while his mum also represented Cameroon in handball.

And the young goalkeeper is now keen to make it a hat-trick of international call ups for his family as he also strives to make his senior debut for his country.

"My family is made of sport athletes and I'm really gifted in terms of my family members and what they provide me," said Nna Noukeu, who is with Blues from Stoke City.

"I've been called up by Cameroon under 23s and twice for the first team, once in 2020 and then in 2021.

"I played for the under 23s but I haven't made my debut yet for the A team.

“It was good being in the squad and I know in my head if I play well I will get to play.

“It’s something I’m looking for but I’m focused on my football with Southend club wise now.

“But I know the best things can happen if you play well and my dream, like everyone else, would be to go to a World Cup."

Nna Noukeu has joined the Shrimpers on loan until January in pursuit of more first team football.

And he was pleased to make his debut at Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday in a game which saw Blues fight back to draw 1-1.

“It was a good game to start because it's kind of a derby,” said the 21-year-old.

“It was my first game so it was time for me to give a good impression and I thought I did well.

“The team did well too with the reaction and character they showed in the second half.

“The first half wasn't the best but the second half was very good. “Everybody was pleased and I was too.”

Nna Noukeu has been with Blues since the end of September.

And he has settled in well at Roots Hall.

“I really enjoy the fact the lads have welcomed me in really well,” said he shot-stopper.

“It's far from Stoke but I can tell the environment and atmosphere is good here and people are happy to play football together.

“I'm close with some players already and I'm beginning to understand how the system works.

“It’s going well.”

But Nna Noukeu is keen to help the Shrimpers work their way up the National League standings.

“At Southend we have the opportunity to be in the highest possible position and we have the potential to make it happen,” said Nna Noukeu.

“I want to help the team get to the next level and play for big things. “That’s why I’m here, we want to play for the high places.”

Nna Noukeu has been with Stoke since 2019 and spent time on loan with Crawley Town last season.

But he has been following English football for far longer.

“Growing up I watched a lot of English football, the Champions League and international games too,” said Nna Noukeu.

“I know the mentality of the teams and the players and how the crowd support their teams.

“It’s really special and I don’t think you find it in other countries.

“It’s very specific to England and you could tell that with the atmosphere on Saturday.

“It was really good and we were away from home so English football in general is special.”

The Shrimpers will again be on the road this weekend as they head to Woking in the FA Cup.

And Nna Noukeu is certain Blues will be well prepared for the game, despite not knowing if he is available at this stage!

“I actually don’t know if I’m allowed to play,” said Nna Noukeu.

“I haven’t played with Stoke so I think I should be allowed.

“But the game is against a competitive team in Woking and I know the staff will prepare us to compete for this occasion in the FA Cup.”

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