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# Southampton's Akachukwu ready for next first-team chance | Daily Echo

- **Source:** 
- **Published:** 22 Oct
- **Club:** Southampton
- **Original URL:** https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/26660875.southamptons-akachukwu-ready-next-first-team-chance/?ref=rss

Akachukwu, 20, was a regular within Tonda Eckert's squad during pre-season and was rewarded with a substitute appearance in the season opener at former loan side Colchester United.

The Irishman scored his first senior goal that sealed a 2-0 victory in the Carabao Cup. That was followed with a start in the second round against West Ham United and a brief cameo in the Championship against Stoke City.

Since, Akachukwu has made the bench just twice and is back being a regular for the under-21s. However, the 20 year old is remaining positive and insists he's ready to break into the first-team, whenever the opportunity arrives.

"I think that's just how football is really," the youngster told the Daily Echo. "One day you're on a real high and then the other day it could be the opposite.

"But I've enjoyed each and every day. I'm training with the boys, so it's been really good.

"I just have to be ready for the opportunity whenever called upon and keep doing my work wherever it is, with the under-21s or the first team. [I've got to] just be ready for when that opportunity comes."

Akachukwu was speaking after starting at St Mary's in Saints under-21s' 1-1 draw with Juventus in the Premier League International Cup.

Princewill Ehibhatiomhan continued his outstanding start to the season, flicking in a lovely finish in the first half before Saints went on to rue missed chances.

Davide Marchisio, son of 55-cap Italy international Claudio, thumped in a cracker midway through the second half to equalise on a mixed night for Adam Lallana's side in front of 7,767 supporters.

Romeo Akachukwu in action for Saints under-21s

"I think we knew what to expect. We knew they'd be a physical side and there'd be a lot of dirty stuff going on in the game," Akachukwu reflected.

"I think we were well prepared for the game but sometimes things don't go how you want them to go. We're probably disappointed with the result tonight, but it is what it is.

"I think at half-time the message was just not to force things as much. The goal will come because obviously we had so many chances to put the game to bed.

"But look, on another day you go and get two, three, four, five. Today it just didn't happen.

"I think as a group we know we're probably one of the best sides in it in every competition we're in. I think that's shown in a lot of the games we've played so far.

"We're doing really well. That's credit to the staff as well, but yes, I think we know in every competition we can win every game. It's just unfortunate we didn't get to win tonight."