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Southend United striker Norman Wabo arrives at Ebbsfleet United full of confidence

Norman Wabo has vowed to make great things happen during his loan spell at Ebbsfleet.

The 18-year-old Southend striker made his Fleet debut off the bench in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Maidenhead.

Wabo has been scoring for fun at youth level this season and now he's ready to show his quality in the National League.

Norman Wabo on the ball for Ebbsfleet against Maidenhead Picture: Andy Payton
Norman Wabo on the ball for Ebbsfleet against Maidenhead Picture: Andy Payton

He said: "I've scored 16 goals in 17 games this season so things have really been going well.

"I just need to get my chance and I know for a fact that once I get it, I'll score a goal for everyone.

"I'm full of confidence right now. I can't wait to get going and show everyone what I'm all about.

"I want to score a lot of goals and put in good performances to help the team. I know Ebbsfleet want to get into the Football League."

With his opportunities limited in League 1 this season, Wabo took the initiative and asked to go out on loan.

Southend boss Chris Powell agreed and the highly-rated youngster joined Fleet on a deal until the end of the season.

"I've been there since I was 15," he said. "I got offered my pro this year and I've done really well.

"I got into the first team this season but the gaffer's brought in some different strikers so I thought 'I need to get some first team football' and I decided to come here.

"Under-21 football is all pretty and everything's nice but I enjoy men's football. Everything's a higher tempo, quicker and you have to think about the game.

"I told the gaffer I wanted to come out and play football. Playing 21s football is not really challenging for me personally so I needed something different and I let him know."

A new centre-forward had been top of Fleet manager Daryl McMahon's wish list for a long time.

Danny Kedwell has played most of the season up front on his own but now McMahon has a second option for the remaining eight games.

Norman Wabo gets a handshake from Ebbsfleet boss Daryl McMahon after making his debut against Maidenhead Picture: Andy Payton
Norman Wabo gets a handshake from Ebbsfleet boss Daryl McMahon after making his debut against Maidenhead Picture: Andy Payton

Wabo said: "I like to see myself as an all-round striker. I'm good getting the ball to feet, running in behind, I've got a very good finish and I like taking my man on, getting in one-v-one positions and exploiting the defence.

"It's been really good so far here. Everyone's been welcoming and the gaffer's been really good.

"I've been training really hard, just to get myself on the pitch. Everything's been really positive.

"I enjoyed it my debut, disappointed about the result but when I came on, I tried my hardest to create and help the team. It's been a long time coming so I'm really happy to get on the pitch finally for Ebbsfleet.

"I'd like to go back to Southend and show what I can really do, show the gaffer I'm the main man for the job.

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