Gold Omotayo is ready to prove he can be a success in English football.
Even if he ends up with a few bumps and bruises along the way.
The big striker from Switzerland has scored four goals in as many games for Whitehawk, who have put him on contract.
They hope he can help their unlikely bid for Vanarama National League south survival by scoring at Oxford City tomorrow.
But the ideal end game for Omotayo would be a professional deal in the summer – and the fulfilment of a dream.
Omotayo, pictured, who turns 24 at the end of this month, secured his release from fourth-tier Wettswil-Bonstetten back home when Hawks offered him the long-desired chance in England.
Life in the sixth tier has been an eye-opener so far.
Or eye-closer in the case of last week’s 2-2 draw with Bognor, when he suffered nasty swelling after a clash of heads.
But he loves the physical nature of his new league.
Omotayo told The Argus: “The standard is pretty similar to where I was playing but it’s more physical.
“But I kind of like it to be honest.
“It comes in handy to be a big player.
“I’ve scored four in four but I’ve got good team-mates providing me with chances and crosses.
“I’ll take it match by match and try to score as many as I can.
“It’s everyone’s dream to play in England and the dream never slipped away for me.
“Let’s go for the best I can.”
Omotayo played as a schoolboy with Seny Dieng, the QPR goalkeeper who has been on loan at Whitehawk of late.
He spoke to Dieng and boss Steve King before securing a trial.
Dieng is now back at QPR but Omotayo is living with him in west London and the subject of a return to Hawks comes up from time to time.
Omotayo said: “Sometimes I ask him what’s up, will he join us today, but it ends up in a laugh.”
Hawks will have a new face in goal for the next month after last night signing Colchester under-23s keeper Daniel Wilks on loan.
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