I Want To Test Myself - Odemwingie

The Stoke City forward has joined the club on loan until May and made his debut as a half-time substitute in Saturday’s crucial 2-1 win at Fulham. 

Now Odemwingie is already looking ahead to this weekend’s home game with managerless Bolton Wanderers, who currently prop up the division. 

The Nigerian international has had to make do with fleeting appearances for Stoke in the top flight this season, so is particularly thankful for this opportunity at Ashton Gate. 

He told Bristol City Player HD: “I haven’t played a lot of games recently and that’s why I’ve come to Bristol City. I want game time, some action. 

“I had a good chat with the head coach. People introduced this club to me as a sleeping giant. It’s a big city, a great fanbase and there’s a lot of potential here. 

“In January I was in a similar position, where I wasn’t playing but the manager (Mark Hughes) said he still needed me around. 

“I waited but nothing much has changed since then so we spoke again and I made it clear I wasn’t happy. I’m someone who always wants to be in the action. 

“It’s a division lower but it’s a good division and I’ve played against Championship teams before in the FA Cup; it’s never been easy.” 

Second-half goals from Marlon Pack and Lee Tomlin secured all three points at Fulham, and Odemwingie added: “It was brilliant to start on a winning note. 

“The lads have all made me feel very welcome and I’ve not been here long but it feels like I’ve known them for a bit longer than that. 

“The second half at Fulham felt more like a Premier League game. It was good to see the big numbers who travelled to Craven Cottage but now I’m looking forward to playing in front of the rest of the fans at home. 

“I’ve heard the home results haven’t been as good as the away ones of late, and hopefully that’s something we can fix.” 

Asked if he was looking ahead to the summer and a possible permanent switch, he replied: “Not really at the moment. I need to test myself because last season I missed out after a serious knee injury. 

“I had a good pre-season but I’ve not had a run of first-team games to really test myself. I need to test myself and hopefully I can get that here. There’s no shortcut, it’s all about hard work.”