Ready to Dest the waters

Destiny Ojo says he’s learning more and more about Cliftonville, the Irish League and the city of Belfast day by day.

The 19-year-old striker made his Reds debut as a late substitute in last Saturday’s victory over Glenavon at Mourneview Park before enjoying greater involvement in the midweek home defeat of Dungannon Swifts and the Englishman admits his knowledge of the Sports Direct Premiership was limited before he made the move across the Irish Sea.

“The only thing I knew was that the League here has a bit of a smaller system similar to Scotland but apart from that, no, everything’s new to me,” he explains.

“It’s new grounds, new Clubs, new people and at the minute it’s about adapting to how football’s played here.

“It was good to get on the pitch and hear the fans last Saturday, but Tuesday was my first real proper taste of it and it was a chance to show a little bit of what I’m about. I enjoyed it and it was great to hear the fans have a positive impact on the game.”

The former Portsmouth man will this weekend sample the cut and thrust of his first North Belfast Derby when Cliftonville make the short journey to Seaview for an eagerly-anticipated showdown with Crusaders – and, though Jim Magilton, Gerard Lyttle and the backroom team will provide all manner of prepatory advice and information, Ojo reveals he’s already done a little bit of his own research.

“I’ve watched a bit of the iPlayer, I saw Crusaders’ game against Glentoran and they looked tough, a hard team to play against and that’s a bit of what I’m expecting in this one,” he adds.

“I think I did OK on Tuesday and it’s about trying to build on that, taking it into the game against Crusaders and carrying on that positivity.”

As he familiarises himself with the League and brand new opponents every week, Ojo has credited David Odumosu, Michael Newberry and Joe Gormley for the roles they have played in helping him adapt to his new surroundings.

“I’ve been with David and he’s been helping me out a lot, and the likes of Newbs, Joe and all the experienced players have been really good in helping me settle in,” he concludes.

“I’m getting used to it day by day and that’s one of the best things about moving here – it’s a new city and, even away from football, there’s so much for me to do and learn which is keeping me busy.”

Crusaders v Cliftonville
Saturday, August 24 (3pm)
Adults: £13
Concessions: £9
Tickets: General Sale