“I was a boy, now I’m a man” - Wolves loanee Temple Ojinnaka relishing senior football test with Shrewsbury Town
New recruit Temple Ojinnaka says he is “grateful” and excited to gain senior football experience with Shrewsbury Town.
The 20-year-old Wolves academy graduate joined Salop on loan on Friday before making his debut at MK Dons, with head coach Michael Appleton revealing the defender had been on the club’s radar for some time.
Ojinnaka was recently an unused substitute for Wolves’ Premier League fixtures against Manchester United and Everton and is relishing the opportunity to take the next step in his career.
He said: “I spoke to Sean Parrish back in December because I saw him at a game. I have known him for many years now.
“He was telling me about there may have been some interest. It wasn’t concrete but I had it in the back of my mind with January around the corner that it could be a possibility.
“I am happy and grateful that it has turned out the way it has.
“I thought this was the perfect move for me. This is what I need as the next step of my career, some men's football. I am delighted to be here.
“It is a massive step. I have played under-21s football quite a lot. I feel like I needed a new challenge.
“I was a boy, now I am a man, so now I need that men's football experience. I need to get some game time and I can’t wait to do that.”
Appleton has been impressed by Ojinakka’s versatility, with the 20-year-old capable of playing in midfield, at full-back or at centre-back.
Ojinakka added: “He thinks I will get game time here, which is something that I look forward to and need in my career. I can’t wait to get started.
“I am very versatile, I can adapt very quickly. At Wolves, since I was 12, I was a midfielder.
“But, about two years ago I started doubling in other positions. I am very adaptable.”
The Italian youngster is also looking forward to linking up with fellow Wolves academy graduate Taylor Perry, a player he admits he idolised.
“I didn’t really speak to him at Wolves because he was a bit older than me,” Ojinakka admitted. “But, he was very well rated at Wolves, I looked up to him.
“It was good to see him here doing well and hopefully I cannot play with him on the pitch.”
