EPL: Arsenal keeper Okonkwo wins praise after one-match Hitchin loan appearance

Hitchin Town boss Mark Burke was delighted with Brian Okonkwo’s performance in their draw with Nuneaton Borough.

Okonkwo had signed for Hitchin on a one-match loan from Arsenal and impressed in the 1-1 draw – his first senior appearance of his career.

Afterwards, Burke told Hitchin.nub.news: “I thought he was excellent. I don’t think he’s used to that sort of [long] kicking, his quads might be a bit sore… welcome to non league football!

“The fans were giving him a little bit of jovial banter behind the goal and he took it well… he’s certainly not let Arsenal down, he’s made them proud.”

Burke signed Okonkwo, 17, after sounding out his former Hitchin teammate Ken Gillard, now academy coach at Arsenal.