HE S HAD to patiently wait for his chance, but after making his full league debut for Dagenham & Redbridge at Hereford on Saturday, right back Abu Ogogo is now intent on keeping his place. Signed from Premier League giants Arsenal on a free transfer in th

by MIKE SIMMONDS

HE'S HAD to patiently wait for his chance, but after making his full league debut for Dagenham & Redbridge at Hereford on Saturday, right back Abu Ogogo is now intent on keeping his place.

Signed from Premier League giants Arsenal on a free transfer in the summer, the 19-year-old has been kept on the bench after injury and a promising start by Scott Doe.

But after the 2-0 defeat at Barnet on Tuesday night, in which Doe had a testing time, Ogogo was given his opportunity at Edgar Street and played his part in a 1-1 draw.

Chance

"I've just been waiting for my chance and when I got it, I just went out there and tried to do my best," said the youngster, whose only other start was in the 3-1 defeat at MK Dons in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

"I've been working hard in training, biding my time and when your opportunity does come, you try to grab it with both hands.

"I thought I did alright, I didn't make any mistakes, kept it tight, competed as hard as I could and did my best.

"The defence is very experienced and as I'm the youngest in the team, they helped me and talked me through the game."

Manager John Still opted to change his defence after the Barnet defeat, and give Ogogo, who is a natural right back, his opportunity to impress.

"When we started the season, I thought Abu was a touch behind as he had a bit of a knock," he said.

"I went for Scott Doe and he's done a sterling job.

"He found it difficult at Barnet, and there was probably going to be a time when he did find it difficult.

"Abu has worked hard in training and it was the right time to see what he could do, I thought he did very well."

It has been an odd situation for Ogogo, as he has had to watch Doe turn in some impressive performances at right back, while wanting to get out there himself.

"It's strange, you want him to do well, which he has been doing, and the team has kept on winning, but on the other hand, I want to play as well," said the right back, who spent a spell on loan at Barnet last season.

"I've always been ready if I was needed to come on, as Scott has been impressive, I've just had to wait for my chance.

"Now I've played in the game at Hereford, I want to stay in there now."

After spending the early part of his career under Arsene Wenger at the Emirates Stadium, Ogogo is now learning a different style of football with Daggers.

Different

"I trained with the first team some days, and it's a lot different, but it's good to be able to play two different styles of football," he said.

"In the end, I was at a stage where I had to think about my future.

"I want to get as many games under my belt, and that's what I want to do with Dagenham."

Daggers entertain Darlington this weekend, and Ogogo is now looking to build on his first start against Hereford, by making the team sheet when the Quakers come to Victoria Road.

John Still's side have been on fire in front of their own fans, but were held to a 1-1 draw by Morecambe last time out, and Ogogo wants to help them get back to winning ways.

"The plan is to train well this week, start again on Saturday and then hopefully pick up three points in the bag," he said.

"We've been scoring goals for fun at home and hopefully we can carry that on this Saturday."

If you would like to comment on this story, email: mike.simmonds@archant.co.uk

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