AFC Telford chief Gavin Cowan full of praise for ‘cool’ Daniel Udoh
AFC Telford United boss Gavin Cowan has hailed cool customer Daniel Udoh after he reached double figures for the campaign in fantastic fashion.
Udoh netted a hat-trick – his eighth, ninth and 10th of the term – as the Bucks beat Bedford Town in the FA Cup on Saturday.
It was a stunning showing from the 22-year-old, in Telford’s 11th game of the term, and Cowan said: “When he’s got that bit of time, he’s cool, calm and calculated. He’s very clinical.
“He just wants to be the best he can be. He’s got all the ability that he needs – and he can still be better. I’m really pleased with him.”
Telford snapped up Udoh during the summer after his release from Crewe Alexandra and Cowan has been impressed by his ‘desire and eagerness’ to make a mark.
“I’m driving through Lilleshall and I’m having to get out of my car and stop him from doing parachute runs on a Friday, before the game. That tells you exactly about his desire and eagerness,” he said.
“I thought he could have had a couple more, if he’d have been a bit more decisive.
"Maybe where he needs to brush up a bit is when it comes at him sharp. But he’s getting in the right areas.”
Cowan also reserved praised Udoh’s strike partner Andre Brown, who has gone four games without a goal and is on two for the season.
“Credit goes to Andre for being such a nuisance and creating those opportunities for him,” he said.
“I’m just desperate for Andre to get a goal as well.
“It would have been nice for Daniel to get a hat-trick and Andre to get a couple.”
The Bucks will receive £9,000 in prize money following Saturday’s 3-1 win on Saturday.
There were places on the bench for defender Zak Lilly and midfielder Jud Ellis – both yet to play this season.
On those pair, Cowan said: “They’re very much a part of it, they’re involved.
“What they’re a victim of is the fact that we’re doing so well. They’re very much in my plans. Jud and Zak are very, very close to it.
“I’m really keen for them to press on and do well.”
Telford will now face either Warrington Town or Consett AFC on Saturday, 6th October, with their replay due to be played on tomorrow night.
