HARRY’S THE MAN
Crawley loanee Karlan AhearneGrant on the impact of Harry Kewell
CRAWLEY striker Karlan Ahearne-Grant has put his career-best form down to one man – Harry Kewell. The 20-year-old moved to the West Sussex side on loan from Charlton until the end of the season in January and could hardly have wished for a better start, bagging eight goals in nine games heading into the Easter weekend. The promising forward has scored more than he has so far netted for Charlton (seven) in 69 appearances, albeit with 43 of those coming off the bench, and believes the guidance of former Liverpool winger Kewell has helped him thrive in League Two. “Harry’s a huge inspiration,” said Ahearne-Grant. “He’s a big character too. He’s my manager at the moment and he knows what it’s like to feed players confidence. It’s good to work with him, it’s been a pleasure. “I think he can definitely go far – from being around him in the changing room and the training ground and seeing what he does. “He loves being on the training field and loves working with us. He wants to make every player better and he’s a positive guy to be around.” Charlton boss Karl Robinson recently departed for Oxford United, Lee Bowyer replacing him as caretakermanager.
Kewell has been linked with the job but Ahearne-Grant says that he and the Australian won’t be distracted.
“It’s just rumours,” he said. “I know he’s just focussed on Crawley at the moment. Of course, I look out for Charlton’s results every week but I want to focus on myself and Crawley.”
Ahearne-Grant made 31 appearances for Charlton this season, scoring four times, but wanted to play a more prominent role.
The London-born forward said: “The move was entirely down to me getting minutes on the board. I was getting a few games at Charlton but I wanted to be starting consistently. Crawley have given me that opportunity and I can’t thank them enough for it.
Timing
“It’s always about timing and right now I’m playing week-in, week-out, and I’m feeling match fit. I’m becoming a threat on the pitch and scoring goals.
“I need to show everyone what I can do and show myself what I can do as well. I’ve always believed in myself but sometimes you need a few goals.
“I think I’ve taken my opportunity so far. I’ve been scoring goals, which is the main thing I want to do and keep doing. It’s been a good journey.”
The former England Under19 international currently dons the number nine shirt at his temporary club but insists he is far from an out-and-out striker. “I don’t think I’m your conventional number nine,” he added. “I can hold it up but I can do many other things and that’s why I’ve played across the front four because I’m versatile. I’ll play anywhere, really.
“I’ve been more on the left. The gaffer knows what I can do there and I’ve been cutting inside and getting my shots off – and they’ve been going in.”