Teddy Sheringham signed Offrande Zanzala on loan after he went to watch an Arsenal youngster but instead came away impressed by the Derby County striker.
The 18-year-old has joined Boro on a one-month loan deal from the Championship club, and the forward made his professional first-team debut in the 0-0 draw with Barnet.
Sheringham has been watching a lot of U21 games in recent weeks, including Spurs U21s versus Chelsea at Stevenage’s own ground, and says he twice came across Zanzala when he was watching other players at Arsenal and West Ham.
The Stevenage boss said: “I’ve seen Zanzala twice. The first time was when I went to watch an Arsenal player [against Derby U21s] and I thought: ‘Zanzala’s good.’
“And the second time was when I went to watch a West Ham player [against Derby U21s] and again I thought: ‘Zanzala’s good.’
“So when I got him I was delighted because I’ve seen enough of him in those two games and [against Barnet] and I thought: ‘I’ll work you son.’
“He’s got great attitude and desire. It means that he wants to be a footballer.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here