Freddie Issaka has been working hard behind the scenes to make his mark on the pitch for Bristol Rovers.
The winger was one of four deadline day signings for the Pirates, but has had to wait for his chance in the blue-and-white quarters. Issaka has been limited to minutes off the bench for the Gas, but has looked sharp in Rovers' last two home outings in Sky Bet League Two.
He had a shot cleared off the line against Gillingham before then rattling the bar versus Notts County, where he played for 49 minutes after replacing the injured Macauley Southam-Hales.
Issaka started for the first time for Rovers in their Vertu Trophy Round Of 32 triumph over Cambridge United, with the 19-year-old delighted to come in from the start.
"It’s a really proud moment for me to get my first start," he said. "I feel like I’ve been doing everything I can to get that. I never expected to come in and walk into the team. So, I’ve been doing everything I can to get that opportunity, and I’m really grateful to finally get it.
“The coaches said if I kept working hard, I would get my opportunity, so that’s what I’ve been trying to do. I’m happy that I finally got it.
“It’s been a bit gradual, but it has been really helpful to ease my way into the team, so when it gets to that point, I know what the lads are like, know what the team is like and what I can do to help."
Issaka was a constant threat down the left and made an almost immediate impact. The winger made the most of a loose ball in Cambridge's half, surged into the box and was brought down by James Gibbons, earning a penalty inside the opening nine minutes.
I’ve seen the ball fall nicely for me," said Issaka, reflecting on the moment. "So I ran onto it, and I just tried to work my shot. I felt the contact and went down."
Everything at Rovers is relatively new to Issaka, who is on his first loan move away from Plymouth Argyle. The winger is outside his comfort zone and is getting used to a new city, with the younger suggesting his temporary spell away from the Sky Bet League One outfit has helped him on and off the pitch.
“I’ve been really enjoying it," he said. "From the first day, I’ve felt really welcome by the team and everyone. The staff and the players have been really good. I can’t really ask much more. Football-wise, I just want to crack on and do everything I can. So, just keep working hard, but from the loan point of view, that’s been really good.
“It’s been a lot different to being in Plymouth. There’s a lot more going on, but it’s been really good for me, not just from a football perspective but also as a person. I feel like I’ve grown a lot."
After falling to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Notts County in Sky Bet League Two on the weekend, the Pirates started December with an important victory in the Vertu Trophy. Goals from Kelland Watts and Sullay Kaikai cancelled out Ellis Harrison's brace in the first half, but the Gas recovered well to win 4-2 on penalties.
Issaka was pleased with Rovers' progression in the competition after putting in hard work in training and believes they can take confidence heading into the rest of the week.
“Obviously, it’s really good," he said. "We have been working really hard in training and, of course, the results haven’t been going our way recently, but a win is very good for us."
Issaka later added: "Whenever you get a win, it’s a positive feeling and that usually, the lads can take that into the week in training and into the next game. The win will be very positive for us."
