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“I’m truly honoured to be given the opportunity to step on the pitch” -Kevin Berkoe

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When Kevin Berkoe became Karl Robinson’s first summer signing, it looked likely the 18-year-old defender would only feature for the Under 23 side.

But after making his debut as a substitute in the Carabao Cup win over Peterborough United on Tuesday night, the youngster is looking to feature more regularly in the first team.

He told the Oxford Mail: “I’m truly honoured to be given the opportunity to step on the pitch. Last season I was playing under 18s football and then I’m straight into first-team football here. It’s quite a big jump, so I’m blessed. The difference is you have to be switched on because if you lose concentration for one second then you can get punished.”

It could have been a gamble to introduce Berkoe with twelve minutes remaining as the game was level, but the youngster, who impressed during pre-season, put in a good shift.

He added: “I came on when the game was at 0-0, so I’m glad the manager trusted me. Fortunately, we scored so just to see out the last few minutes was quite intense.”

And after Malachi Napa was substituted early in the game after suffering a broken leg, it’s likely Berkoe will be part of the squad that will face Blackpool tomorrow afternoon.

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