Lincoln City forward Zane Okoro put himself in the history books with Tuesday night’s goal, becoming the second-youngest goalscorer for the club.
The 17-year-old is only behind Andy Hutchinson by 16 days, after scoring aged 17 years, one month and 19 days.
The striker spoke to the media following Lincoln’s 5-0 win over Manchester City under-21s in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy. The result saw the Imps progress to the round of 16 in the EFL Trophy for the seventh consecutive season.
After being told of his almost record-breaking stat, Okoro said: “I didn’t know that that’s really good but it’s just pushing on from now.”
A dominant Team Performance
Okoro added: “The performance from the team was very convincing, it was very experienced especially from people like Tendayi [Darikwa] playing a full 90 and showing what a performance is about.
“We also had guys like Oisin [Gallagher] coming in alongside him, and, when you look at the two next to each other, you can’t tell the age gap in the team, so it was a great performance.”
Okoro’s goal was one of five, with Freddie Draper, Bailey Cadamarteri, Rob Street and JJ McKiernan all getting on the scoresheet alongside him.
On his goal, he said: “It was definitely one of my better finishes and more memorable moments to look back on for year to come, 100%.”
The American followed in the footsteps of many before him, including the likes of current teammates Draper and Jovon Makama, in being given a chance to step up from the academy.
Okoro had a lot to praise his club for, saying: “Lincoln are a really good pathway for young players. You look at people like Jovon, Oisin, and even Sean [Roughan], who has come through as well. So, it sets a really good example for guys like me and people even younger than me.
“I think having really supportive staff at Lincoln can help as well.”
“It’s Surreal”:
It was revealed that the young forward has been training with the first team for the past six months, which Okoro feels has benefited him “massively” as a player.
He added: “I’m trying to be a more mature player at a younger age, but all the players at the training ground are supportive of me both on and off the pitch, especially guys like Jovon and Lewis [Montsma].
“I feel like one of them when I’m up there, so they give me that support.”
Okoro has been lavishing the chances of the first team in recent weeks. On November 4, the 17-year-old was named in the first team squad for the first time in his career, before making his first professional start for the club on Tuesday night.
It is a moment Okoro is not thinking about too much, however, stating: “I’ve been taking it step-by-step, I’m grasping every opportunity I get in my hands. It’s surreal, but also trying to push forward and keep improving.”
Next up for Lincoln City is a trip to Exeter City on Saturday, November 16 in the early kick-off. Okoro will surely be hoping his performance on Tuesday night will be enough for him to earn a call-up into SkyBet League One action.