‘It’s a great opportunity’ – City defender took advice from McLean before sealing St Mirren loan
Norwich City U23s defender has joined St Mirren on loan Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Akin Famewo’s loan to St Mirren has been confirmed by Norwich City, with the young defender revealing he sought advice from Canaries colleague Kenny McLean about the move to Scotland.
The 21-year-old central defender will remain with the Paisley club for the remainder of the season, including any play-off games in the Scottish Premiership, having signed a new contract in November extending his terms until 2023.
Famewo made 15 appearances in League Two when he was younger, with Luton Town and Grimsby Town, earning a move to Norwich from Luton a year ago.
He is yet to make his Canaries debut but has been training regularly with the first team this season, making 11 appearances at U23 level and often captaining the development squad.
So he spoke to Scotland international McLean, who made 152 appearances for the Buddies between 2009 and 2014, before moving on to Aberdeen and Norwich.
"I'm very happy to be here, I've heard a lot good things about the club," said Famewo.
"I didn't know a lot about Scottish football but I know Kenny McLean and he's told me a bit about it. I spoke to him about the move as he has links to the club and I was really keen to join.
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"The manager has been very welcoming and I'm looking forward to working with him. I'm very excited as it's a great opportunity in a great league."
The Saints needed a new central defender after Sean McLoughlin returned to Hull City, following an impressive first half of the season on loan.
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Speaking to his club's website, manager Jim Goodwin added: "With the amount of injuries and everything that we have had over the last couple of months we felt it was an area that we needed to strengthen.
"Akin is a player we have seen a number of times this season playing for Norwich Under-23s, but he trains with their first team."
St Mirren currently sit 10th in the Scottish Premiership, six points clear of bottom side Hearts, with five wins from their 21 games.
"He's a good player," former Stockport and Scunthorpe midfielder Goodwin continued.
"He's still got a bit of developing to do but it's a win-win for everyone. We can give Akin senior football and he continues his development."
St Mirren's next game is in the Scottish FA Cup a week on Saturday, at home to non-league side Broxburn Athletic, ahead of a league trip to title chasers Rangers on January 22 - where Famewo could find himself playing in front of around 50,000 spectators at Ibrox.
