EVERYTHING I DO IS DEDICATED TO DAD
Family heartbreak is fuelling Motherwell youngster Georgie’s bid to reach the top
GEORGIE GENT’S revealed the heartbreak driving his ambition to reach the top as he nears the end of his loan spell at Motherwell.
The Blackburn Rovers kid had only been in Lanarkshire a matter of weeks when tragedy struck his family in October with the death of dad Simon at the age of just 51.
It was a harrowing time as the 20-year-old looked to make his mark at Fir Park, over 200 miles from home.
But Gent has shown the strength of character to flourish under the guidance of Stuart Kettlewell and become a key man as the Steelmen climbed away from relegation trouble.
A first career goal in the Scottish Cup win over Alloa in January was a highlight. It was a strike Gent celebrated with a gesture to the sky.
And ahead of today’s clash with Dundee, he said: “That was a massive moment, getting my first professional goal. The celebration was for my dad. He passed away in October. That goal was for him.
“Everything I achieve is dedicated to my dad, 100 per cent. He was a big influence on my career. I went through a difficult spell. But I’ve grown as a man, living on my own, I’ve become more mature.
“The players and the manager, every single one of them were here to support me. That gave me more confidence going into games.
“My family come up as much as they can to watch and it feels good when they’re here and I’m walking out on the pitch. That goal, as I say, was a special feeling. But I want more. I want more goals.”
Driving forward on the left
flank Gent is more goalmaker than taker and just this week Kettlewell described the Englishman as one of the best crossers he’s ever worked with.
It’s an area of his game the full-back admits he developed studying Liverpool ace Trent Alexander-Arnold – even though he’s a born and bred Manchester United fan.
Gent said: “I practise a lot in training. Even staying behind after training to practise. It’s getting better all the time. So it’s nice to hear the gaffer say that.
“I’ve worked on it since I was about 12. I look at players like
Trent Alexander-Arnold. He has a wonderful cross on him so I try to learn from him and practise it after training.
“Am I a Liverpool fan? Nah, Man United!”
A goal or assist this afternoon would certainly help Well as they make a late push for the top six. Dundee occupy that spot for now and are six points clear of the Steelmen.
But after today Well play seventh-placed Hibs and know that two wins and no more points for Dee or the Hibees over the next seven days would cement a remarkable swing in their favour. Gent said: “I think it’s where this club belong, in the top six.
“We know it’s a must win at Dundee. Same against Hibs.
“We’ve got a chance, we want to grab it with both hands. I’ll do everything I can to help get them there.
“Dundee have been good this season, we know what they bring. We’ll go there fired up and try to get the points.”
Blackburn have recently changed bosses with John Eustace replacing Jon Dahl Tomasson at the helm.
Eustace has been in touch with Gent to assure him he’s watching. But for now it’s Kettlewell whom the Rovers kid wants to impress.
He said: “He has been great with me. I have learned so much from him on and off the pitch. Pulling me up after training to work on things I need to work on. He’s made me a better player.
“There’s a new manager at Blackburn and I’ve spoken to him a few times. He’s happy with my performances and says he’s watching me from afar. I’m just going to finish this season off then the summer, who knows? I’ve enjoyed it here.”