Queens Park Rangers youngster discusses settling in at Brisbane Road, keeping his place and his footballing heroes
Cole Kpekawa insisted Leyton Orient were unlucky against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday, but is hoping to keep his starting place in the side for the rest of his loan spell.
The QPR defender partnered Jean-Yves M’voto at the heart of the O’s back four last weekend as they drew 1-1 with the Dons.
Jay Simpson put the hosts ahead after 10 minutes before Adebayo Akinfenwa equalised in the 80th minute at Brisbane Road.
In between Orient had John Marquis sent off for two bookable offences in the 58th minute and it played a big part in proceeding.
Kpekawa was pleased they managed to earn a 1-1 draw and play his part during a tough week.
He said: “I have helped us stay unbeaten in three games, but really and truly we should have won all three of them to be fair, especially at Plymouth.
“We should have won there, we were unlucky and against Wimbledon the red card was a bit unlucky and killed us a bit.
“But we went on and dug it out to get a point so we will see what happens. Hopefully I keep playing and we will see how it goes.”
The 19-year-old made his debut for the O’s against York City on November 21 coming on when captain Mathieu Baudry was forced off with a hip injury.
Although Kpekawa was happy to get his chance, he would have rather earned it due to his performances in training.
Nevertheless now he is in the Orient starting side, he doesn’t want to lose his spot any time soon.
The QPR defender added: “I want to keep my place, obviously I have come in due to injury against York.
“I didn’t want to come in because of an injury, I wanted to join the club and work my way in, but things happen.
“Hopefully I can keep my place and see where it goes from there. I will work hard in training and hopefully the gaffer picks me for the next game and we’ll go from there.”
Kpekawa was likened to Manchester United and England defender Chris Smalling at the weekend during the clash with Wimbledon.
He revealed that Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and John Terry were some of the defenders he has tried to model his game on.
“Chris Smalling is a good player to be fair, he is at Manchester United,” said Kpekawa when told about the comparison.
“When I was younger I always liked Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, the way he steps out with the ball.
“I’d say Rio, Vidic and John Terry and maybe Ashley Cole as a left-back. There are loads of world class players that I watch and try to model my game on.”
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