Ladapo aiming to earn loan extension

Photo: Max Flego

FREDDIE Ladapo is mobbed after his goal against Gillingham

FREDDIE Ladapo believes he should have scored twice the amount of goals he has managed for Athletic so far, but he plans to do everything in his power to stay at the club beyond January.

The on-loan Crystal Palace striker has had an up-and-down spell at SportsDirect.com Park so far, in what is his first real run in the professional game.

In 14 appearances, he has managed three goals to help bring League One wins over Gillingham and Scunthorpe and, most recently, a draw at Blackburn in the Checkatrade Trophy.

The former Margate man (23) was only signed by Palace late last season and is still in the learning process.

And he hopes that the option to extend his loan for the rest of the season, which is a decision that will be made in early January, will be taken up by Athletic boss Stephen Robinson.

"I am hoping that the manager takes the view of it that he does want to keep me for longer," said Ladapo, who came within inches of helping Athletic to another three points against Wimbledon with a header that bounced off the crossbar and on to the goal line.

"It's all down to whether he wants me. If he does, then that would be great.

"I should be on five or six goals by now.

"But you have to just get over it, move on to the next game and hope that next time it crosses the line and that everyone sees it!

"Even when I am on the bench, I always think that I can make an impact and still do the things I could if I was starting - hopefully proving to the manager that I am good enough to be start games soon."

Ladapo may have to settle for a spot as an impact substitute again at Scunthorpe tomorrow. Despite the team's poor overall goals record in the league, he says there is a belief that scoring matters will come right.

"Every game is tight and close, with near misses, so you have to keep on pushing. Something will go right and we have that faith to keep on going," he added.