By Amosu Adeboye, LAGOS
Nigeria midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo is thrilled his first half goal gave Stoke City maximum points in Saturday’s Championship clash against Blackburn Rovers at the Ewood Park.
“It was just a direct strike. I shot it well and I’m happy about it, but it’s not about the goal,” Etebo told Stoke City’s official website.
“I’ve always had the mentality that what is always most important is for my team to win, to get the three points. While a goal is important, if you score and you don’t win, what is it for?”
The scoreline who have been more emphatic had former Barcelona forward Bojan Kryjic scored from the spot late in the first half.
That means just three of Stoke’s last 13 penalties have been converted, a dreadful record that has some fans suggesting the Potters are cursed.
Asked if he would be prepared to take Stoke’s next penalty, he said: “Well I am a penalty taker. And one thing I believe is that if you feel you will score then you should just get on with it because taking a penalty is all about confidence.
“So taking a penalty, I don’t have a problem with that, but also I have no problem with a team-mate taking it. It’s all about taking the points for the team.
“If a player is asked to take a penalty then we all have to encourage them because it’s all about having confidence.”
The 23-year-old has scored two goals in 28 league appearances for the club this season.
