BLONDY Nna Noukeu felt his loan spell at Southend United was ‘a very, very positive experience’ .

The 21-year-old goalkeeper has now returned to Stoke City after making 17 appearances while with the Shrimpers.

And Nna Noukeu thought his time at Blues was hugely beneficial.

“It’s been a very, very positive experience for me as a man and as a football player,” said Nna Noukeu.

“I’ve got game time in men’s football where there’s expectation and big crowds.

“As a man I learnt I made a lot of friends, met good people in football and had some tough times you learn from and some good times too.”

Prior to joining Blues, Nna Noukeu had made just three cup appearances while on loan at Crawley Town in 2021.

And he enjoyed being back in first team football – despite the club’s off-field troubles.

“It’s different to under 23s football, where you play a certain tactic,” said Nna Noukeu.

“Men’s football is more physical and it was fantastic to be with Southend.

“It’s a very good group.

“Despite all the issues we had, which we all know, on the pitch everyone was fantastic and there was such a desire to be the best you could be.”

Nna Noukeu kept five clean sheets while with the Shrimpers before being called back by Stoke following an injury to Matija Sarkic which left the Potters short of cover in the goalkeeping position.

But Nna Noukeu only found out he would be heading back on Tuesday morning, just hours before he was due to play for Blues against Barnet.

“I had a call on Tuesday to let me know Stoke would be recalling me,” said Nna Noukeu.

“I had a further explanation about what was going to happen and I knew then it was going to be my last day at Southend.”

“For me I’m looking at it as a chance to show what I can do.

“Every chance I get I try to make the best of and it’s another opportunity for me.

But Nna Noukeu will continue to keep a close eye on Blues’ games.

“I follow the Twitter accounts and will watch closely for every game,” said Nna Noukeu.

“They all deserve the play-offs and I really hope they get them.”

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