Albion's League Cup specialist Sam Adekugbe has revealed the rough and tough upbringing that shaped his desire to become a professional footballer.

Brighton and the sprawling Canadian city of Vancouver are the places the clergyman's son calls home now.

When he was growing up the defender, borrowed by the Seagulls from Major League Soccer in the States, was living in fear in a formerly notorious inner-city district of Manchester.

In those days Moss Side had a grim reputation, fuelled by riots and gang-related crime.

Its image has improved since then but Adekugbe, 21, has never forgotten what it was like.

The London-born left-back of Nigerian origin, who has played a leading role in Albion reaching the third round of the League Cup, told The Argus: "My parents are pastors.

"They were born in London, lived in London and we moved to Manchester for nine or ten years.

 

"I know that I didn't grow up in a very good area, Moss Side, so I have a couple of stories.

"Some are intimidating but it's only going to make you a better person.

"There were times where I was not allowed to walk home at night time. One time our car was torched, stuff like that here and there.

"I think that's one of the main reasons my parents wanted to move to Canada. Not only for work but to start a new life as well.

"I wasn't in an Academy or anything. I was playing regularly for AFC Clayton, a local club in Manchester.

"I attended the Bobby Charlton soccer schools as well when I was a kid. My parents signed me up to be a mascot.

"I am actually a Man City fan. We used to live near Maine Road."

Adekugbe's parents moved the family to Calgary where he played for the local team. He was in a training programme at Canada's national centre when MLS newcomers Vancouver Whitecaps spotted him.

He made rapid progress through their under-16s, under-18's and reserves and was handed his debut when only 18.

Albion have strong links with Whitecaps via chief executive Paul Barber (below), who held the same post at the Canadian club.

The Argus: Adekugbe showed enough in a trial last season for the Seagulls to hire him for the current campaign, primarily for the under-23s.

Chris Hughton's policy of using the League Cup as a breeding ground while the fixtures are congested has given Adekugbe and other youngsters a senior chance.

He grabbed his with an encouraging debut in the 4-0 home win against Colchester and an early goal in the 4-2 victory at Oxford United to set up tonight's tie against Reading at the Amex.

Adekugbe said: I always wanted to play in England even when in Vancouver. So when this opportunity I came didn't want to miss it. There is so much passion for the game here. I feel at home."

Back in Canada Adekugbe, the oldest of five children, spends a lot of time with his brother, who plays at university. His dad is an Arsenal fan, so approves his son's choice of idol - Ashley Cole.

"They (Los Angeles Galaxy) came to Vancouver and played, Steven Gerrard and all of them," Adekugbe said. "I was on the bench. I couldn't stop looking at him (Cole). "I was in awe of him and thinking 'No-one realises who this guy is'.I wish I'd played and got his shirt but to see your idol in front of you was exciting."

Now Adekugbe is getting accustomed to living in England again after a decade away. "It's a lot different," he said. "The driving, for example.

"A couple of times I've got lifts with players and thought I was about to be in an accident, because of the driving on the right.

"Vancouver is a very nice city, very spacious. When you say you are from Moss Side people look at you differently.

"I was there from two to 11, so I don't remember that much. But later in life you realise where you have come from. I hope it has made me stronger."