COLLIN Andeng Ndi was thrust into the deep end for Southend United on Saturday.

But that is nothing new for the talented teenage shot-stopper.

Andeng Ndi kept a clean sheet for the Shrimpers against Oldham Athletic after only being told in the warm up he would be replacing the injured Steve Arnold between the sticks.

However, the Italian born Andeng Ndi is already accustomed to overcoming difficult situations having started school in Basildon not being able to speak English.

"I came over from Italy when I was 14," said Andeng Ndi.

"We were in Busca, which is a little town about an hour away from Turin.

"But my mum got a job at Basildon Hospital and came over.

"My sister and me stayed in Italy for another year with my uncle while my mum settled and made sure everything was alright for us to come over.

"When I arrived I went to Woodlands School but I was held back a year because I couldn't speak English.

"It was tough for two or three weeks but as soon as they saw I was alright at football they brought me into their friendship group.

"I was actually in the same year as Jaden Crowhurst and I learnt English quickly so it wasn't too bad."

And it was with Woodlands where Andeng Ndi's footballing career first started in England.

"I started with the school team and didn’t really know where to start in a new country because I didn’t know anyone," said the 19-year-old.

"But I ended up playing everywhere.

"Any Sunday League side that called me I would go and play.

"I played for Bowers with their under 18s, I was at Ware FC for a little bit, Basildon United and Hornchurch.

"I've been around basically!"

But it was a strange twist of fate which ultimately led to Andeng Ndi joining Blues.

"I finished Year 11 and I was looking for a college but I didn't really know how to apply because we don't have to do that in Italy," said the keeper.

"We don't apply for schools like that and I spoke to my friend who told me he had a trial for a place in Barking Abbey but wasn’t going.

"He told me to go for him and tell them he couldn't go.

“I went there and thought I played well.

“After the game one of the coaches said he knew I wasn’t meant to be there but they allowed me to stay and play because I was good enough.

“The next day they messaged me about coming back for another game but having done the journey I didn’t think I could travel every day to Barking for college.

"But one of the coaches knew Steve Tilson and told me he was working at South Essex College much closer to me.

"I got in contact with Steve and finding out he used to be the Southend manager sold it to me.

"It went well there and Steve recommended me to Southend so that's how it happened."

Andeng Ndi has made the most of that opportunity and earned himself a professional deal after impressing while on trial.

That led to the custodian making two appearances last season before he was also handed an unexpected opportunity at the weekend.

“Coming into Roots Hall I was expecting it to be a normal day,” said Andeng Ndi.

“I was getting ready to warm up but in my head I was already thinking you never know.

“I always go into every game being ready to start and that’s something goalkeeping coach Reece Ottley has always told me to do.

“That’s what I did and Steve went down in the warm up.

“He was already feeling a little niggle I think but I didn’t think too much of it.

“He went down for a dive but he wasn’t feeling too well and went back into the physio room.

“I was still expecting him to come back out but he didn’t happen and I was told I would be playing.”

And the late call up meant Andeng Ndi did not have time to get nervous.

“It was literally too late to feel anything,” said the keeper.

“I was just excited really.

“I wanted to play and it was a brilliant atmosphere.

“We were up against a good opposition but I tried to make the most of it and really enjoyed it.”

But Andeng Ndi is now hungry for more and believes his Italian upbringing could help where that is concerned.

“Italy is known for its goalkeepers,” said Andeng Ndi.

“I was coached really well in Italy and gave me all the skills I needed to keep progressing.

“I started over there when I was really young and used to alternate between being in goal and being a striker which was fun.

“I was in goal from about 10 or 11 though and continue to work hard so hopefully I’ll get another chance soon and can build on Saturday.”

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