Interviews

Undav and Colwill looking to impress

Graham Potter looks ahead to Carabao Cup action against Forest Green Rovers.

By Bruce Talbot • 24 August 2022

By Paul Hazlewood
Deniz Undav scored 26 goals in the Belgian League for Union SG last season.

Graham Potter is delighted with how Deniz Undav and Levi Colwill have settled in and is looking forward to seeing them in action in the Carabao Cup tonight.

Although the head coach has hinted that there will be a significant number of changes to the team to face Forest Green Rovers at The Bolt New Lawn tonight, he did confirm that striker Undav and defender Colwill will be in the squad against the League One side.

Undav, 26, joined the club in January, having spent last season with Union SG in Belgium on loan when he scored 26 goals.

“He’s going to be in the squad and we’re really happy with him,” said Potter. “The team is doing well so he’s having to be patient for his chance but that’s normal. In terms of what he brings, he’s getting to know the players, the league and the environment. We’re looking forward to his involvement tonight.”

Defender Colwill made his Premier League debut as a late substitute in the opening-day win against Manchester United after the 19-year-old joined us on a season-long loan from Chelsea earlier this month.

By Paul Hazlewood
Levi Colwill made his Premier League debut against Manchester United.

“He’s fitted in really well, we’re really impressed with him,” said Potter. “He’s an impressive young man, very mature for his age and respectful. He understands the situation he’s in, that he came late into pre-season with us but he is training well, supporting the team and getting up to speed. He will be in the squad against Forest Green and there’s a good chance he will be on the pitch.”

Although he will make changes, Potter enjoys the Carabao Cup and the opportunity to gauge the progress of some of his players.

“If you look at what we’ve done historically in the early rounds of this competition it’s a chance for us to look at guys who haven’t played so much and some of our youngsters.

“Being in the Premier League allows you to keep developing your club financially, but cup games are important. We have to take into account when we’re playing this game in terms of our schedule, but we go there with an ambitious, competitive team.

“Forest Green have their own identity and should be very proud of what they have achieved as a club. They are well organised and it’s an exciting time for them. They will look upon it as an opportunity to create more history for their club.”