To Hull and beyond . . .

Calaum Jahraldo-Martin.

PROMISING winger Calaum Jahraldo-Martin had to use a search engine to help find his way to Hull, but if confidence is anything to go by then his journey in the professional game is just getting started.

The 23-year-old has recently come back into his manager Stephen Robinson's thinking, having returned to full fitness following injury.

Impressive in his first showing for the club as a substitute against Northampton, a pulled hamstring late on in that game meant the former Dulwich Hamlet man had to wait two months before his next first-team outing.

Settled in Manchester having travelled back north again following on from three years at Hull, the Antigua international is now planning on extending his stay with Athletic beyond the transfer window re-opening at the start of next year - at which point, his current short-term contract expires.

"I had no pre-season, so I have only been training," said Jahraldo-Martin reflecting on a summer that featured a trial period at Southend which ended without a deal.

'LAST MINUTE'

"The manager thought, 'let's see what he has got'. Then it was right in the last minute or two when I went to close down the goalkeeper that I pulled up with my hamstring.

"It was a downer, but I am back fit again now so hopefully I can get back in the team and show everyone what I am capable of doing.

"I felt good in the game, like I made a good impact and showed the fans what they can look forward to.

"The plan is to get as many games as I can to show the fans and the manager what I am capable of."

Jahraldo-Martin's strong belief in his own ability is hardly a surprise, given a career trajectory that has taken him from run-down local pitches, through non-league and right up to the Premier League - all without the traditional education path of the professional academy system.

"It was a rollercoaster," he said "One minute I was at Dulwich, then the next I was told I was going to Hull on trial. Then literally within a week, I was training with Hull's first team with the superstars who were there.

"They chucked me in at the deep end and I guess Steve Bruce liked what he saw.

"When they told me I was going on trial to Hull, I had to look on Google where Hull was!

"I didn't have a clue. It was three and a half or four hours away. Going up there on my own and discovering a whole new place means it takes time to settle in. But I found my feet quickly. Everyone welcomed me and I did well, earning a contract and getting myself among the first team."

Fifteen appearances and a goal for Leyton Orient in League Two last season followed on from short loans out at Alloa and, two seasons ago, Tranmere.

LEAP

But having already taken a giant leap to the top flight, Jahraldo-Martin is aiming higher once again.

"It is about getting game-time, developing as a player and hopefully, getting back to where I belong," he added.

"If everything works out and I get more game-time then why not? It's a great platform, League One.

"I want to build from here and go as high as possible."