Quiet man making big noise at Latics

RAPID RISE . . . Darius Osei has made a sizeable impression since breaking into the professional game

THE NUMBERS alone tell the story of Darius Osei's rapid rise to prominence.

With him on the field this season, Athletic have scored four times at a rate of one every 39 minutes.

Without him, six goals have been scored, one every 109 minutes.

There are caveats to this indication of effectiveness. Three of Athletic's goals that came with the ex-Stalybridge Celtic player on the pitch were against a League Two side, Carlisle, with the other arriving last week from the boot of Lee Erwin against a Shrewsbury team that sat back to defend their lead.

Aside from statistics, though, the 21-year-old is clearly and visibly proving to be very effective and is relishing his chance at professional level.

Full of pace and energy, while he barely says boo to a goose in training the actions on game day ­- power, pace and a desire to commit defenders - speak volumes to supporters.

Michael Owen talked this week of the unfettered innocence of youth that allowed him to achieve the unexpected against stellar opponents.

"When I was 18 I feared nothing," Owen said. "I just did it. It didn't matter who I was playing against. I had an unshakeable self-belief. Nothing bothered me. The prospect of scoring against Argentina at the World Cup? It felt natural."

Carlisle are no Argentina, just as Athletic are no England.

BREAKING

The principle remains the same. This time last year, the youngster from Moston was ploughing away for Stalybridge's reserves side, before breaking into the first team in November.

Even then, he was mainly used as a substitute in the Vanarama Conference North - 15 of his 22 outings in 2015-16 were from the bench - but eight goals and two assists signalled the promise that persuaded Barnsley to take Osei on trial.

Impressing Athletic's scouts sufficiently that a fee was paid to take him on, only a lick of paint on the crossbar prevented Osei from becoming the first Athletic player since Robbie Simpson five years ago to net a hat-trick.

Had that header gone in, it would probably have helped pay back a £5,000 chunk of his transfer fee in prize money by earning a last-gasp draw against Carlisle in the Checkatrade Trophy game.

VALUE

While his value is already likely to have risen way beyond the undisclosed amount paid to the Bower Fold club by Athletic this summer, manager Stephen Robinson is, for now at least, keeping the leash on.

"With Darius, you have to remember the level of football he has come to us from and he is still learning the game," said the Athletic boss.

"In 30-minute spells he has been absolutely brilliant for us and deserves the plaudits.

"He is not far away from starting - but you have to remember there are three very capable players ahead of him up front as well."

Erwin and Billy Mckay are off the mark for the campaign and only the woodwork prevented Freddie Ladapo from registering an equaliser against the Shrews.

But if that trio fail to ignite against Chesterfield tomorrow, Osei could be called on again to hassle and frighten defenders with his unorthodox, untrained instinct.

Do not underestimate the determination of the quiet man.