Hartlepool United’s ex-Spurs winger Kudus Oyenuga can be a match-winner says Ronnie Moore

Ronnie Moore believes Kudus Oyenuga can be a match-winner for Hartlepool United.
Kudus Oyenuga goes close for Pools against Cheltenham. Picture by TOM COLLINSKudus Oyenuga goes close for Pools against Cheltenham. Picture by TOM COLLINS
Kudus Oyenuga goes close for Pools against Cheltenham. Picture by TOM COLLINS

Of course, the winger has already been just that – scoring the only goal of Saturday’s FA Cup first round victory over Cheltenham Town.

But Moore beiieves – and certainly hopes – there is more to come from the 22-year-old he signed in the summer from Cowdenbeath.

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There were were flashes of potential on Saturday – two shots on target and some promise out on the left.

“I see some of the things he does in training,” said Moore. “They are unbelievable.

“You saw a bit of it in spurts {on Saturday], but if he can produce that over a 20-minute spell then who knows what he can do.

“He’s a winger and wingers leave you tearing your hair out.

“But they do win you games. last season we had wingers who could be match-winners or drive you crackers.

“At this level, that’s what you get.

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“Those who go by people and ping in crosses are not playing for Hartlepool. If they do that week-in, week-out, they are in the Championship.

“Kudus could step up but he’s got to believe he can do that.”

Moore will be looking for him to kick on, starting with Sunday’s live Sky Sports-screened League Two clash with Leyton Orient

“The place to prove it is when that curtain goes up and the show starts,” said the Pools boss. “Go and show people what you’re about.

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“I’ve said to him that he can try every trick in the book in the attacking third, but if he tries it inside our half I’ll have him.

“We can’t be having the little tricks there and losing it.

“He’s still learning about what we want from him.”

Oyenuga faded a little after the break against the Robins, perhaps little surprise given it was his first start for the side.

The Londoner, who was a youth product at Spurs, had previously had a few cameos as sub, including setting up a winner for Brad Walker at Yeovil and showing some industry at Wimbledon.

Moore wants Oyenuga to be “more direct” and show a bit more ambition.

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“I don’t think we got enough balls to him, especially in the second half,” explained Moore. “He will give you an out-ball.

“He has pace and is a direct runner but he tended to want to come back [inside] at times.

“Is that because of tired legs because he hasn’t played a lot of football? He came off because he said his hamstring was tight.

“I’m not sure it’s a hamstring problem.

“Sometimes do you think ‘he’s scored now, he’s coming off for a sit-down’?.

“But I’d like to see the attitude of ‘go and get a second then come for a sit-down’!”