Being AFC Telford's John Cofie is just divine

The 22-year-old Ghana-born forward came through the ranks at Old Trafford.

He won the FA Youth Cup with Manchester United in 2011 alongside such names as Paul Pogba, Ravel Morrison and Jesse Lingard.

FC United were formed in 2005 by disaffected United fans annoyed at the Glazers' takeover. Cofie admits he isn't too aware of FC United's history and background.

He said: "I was aware of them, but I didn't pay much attention to them so I don't really know their story.

"When I was at United, I was just focused on my football there and going out on loan. Come tonight, it's a different story and I'm going to have to do my homework on them.

"Hopefully, I don't get booed but, whatever happens, I'll just be focused on my game so whether they remember me or not, it doesn't really bother me.

"If they watched me in the season we won the FA Youth Cup, I hope and expect I get a cheer because that year was brilliant for our youth team."

Cofie thinks his unruffled approach comes through his faith, saying: "My mentality towards football and life comes through my religion.

"I'm a Christian and every day, I thank God for my life because I'm very fortunate to be where I'm at compared to others.

"I don't let anything faze me because God is in my corner, so whatever comes my way, I'm more than capable of dealing with it.

"He puts clothes on my back and puts food in my mouth every day – that's how I see my life.

"I go to church several times a week, and always on Sundays with my mum and my little brothers."

Although he was released from United and then struggled to find a club he can call home, Cofie revealed his beliefs have actually become stronger.

He said: "I've always been religious, but recently my mum sat me down and spoke to me about God. I've grown more into it and I really enjoy the religious side of my life, because it keeps me going.

"Through my life certain things have happened to me and it's not just luck, it's the hand of someone.

"Reading the Bible brings me joy and understanding of life. To me the world is planned and I believe God created it."

Cofie, who last week signed a deal to the end of the season, feels a connection with the Telford fans.

He said: "Most definitely – you hear them every week and even when things aren't going well, they're still behind us.

"That's really good because some fans can turn against you in that situation, but Telford fans aren't like that.

"It gives us the drive to push ourselves on even more to get the right results for them."