’MACK THE MOST OF IT JAMES
Conor advice for Italy-bound ace
Serie A side Udinese signed Abankwah from St Patrick’s Athletic in January on a deal that runs until 2026.
But the talented centre-back, 18, was immediately loaned back to the Saints where he will remain until his Leaving Cert exams are finished this summer.
In 2008, Mccormack made a similar move when he left Manchester United to sign for Serie B side Triestina.
The Carlingford man (below) spent almost three years in Italy before coming home to join Shamrock Rovers under Michael O’neill.
Now the Galway United captain, Mccormack kicked on to win league titles with the Hoops and Cork City and FAI Cups with the Rebels and, like Abankwah, St Pat’s.
Mccormack, 31, has urged Abankwah to grab his Italian adventure with both hands and make the most of the experience.
“It’s a brave move but it’ll stand to James, regardless of whether he makes it or doesn’t break through,” he told Mirror Sport.
“He can always come back if that’s the case or even go to the UK. But he’s a big, physical lad and I think it will suit him.
“Udinese wasn’t too far from where I was in Italy and they used to take in a lot of South American players, develop them and play good football.
“It’s just an incredible opportunity and a great move to be going to a club like that, who will actually help him and won’t be afraid to chuck him in.
“You learn from all of the players from different parts of the world and the different cultures they bring to a dressing room. You blend it together and make yourself better.
“Making that move definitely stood to me and I learned a lot, especially tactically. I also had to figure things out for myself by learning a new language. Football seasons fly by and 10 years ago only feels like two years ago. It’s not long going around but I loved the experience.”
Last summer, French side Reims signed St Pat’s youngster Glory Nzingo and Inter Milan then snapped up Kevin Zeffi from Shamrock Rovers.
Mccormack said: “I often wondered why there wasn’t more of it. Back when I went, and even before it, the whole obsession was going to England and the UK but a lot of players were getting swallowed up.
“You can go off the radar and possibly never play football again.
“Now, there’s a wider audience with French and Italian teams looking at our league because we’ve a lot of young players who have that technique and tactical
awareness.”