THE HUNGER JAMES

Irish talent Abankwah still has big ambitions to make splash in Serie A as he tells other youngsters to embrace a move abroad

- BY MARK MCCADDEN

EMBRACE the culture and learn the language - two crucial pieces of advice for anyone who wishes to follow in James Abankwah's footsteps and try their luck in Serie A.

A growing number of Irish youngsters are making their way to Italy, with Brexit rules fueling a rise in continental interest in teenage prospects from these shores.

Growing up, Abankwah assumed his big break would come in England.

But it was Udinese that swooped for the talented St Patrick's Athletic centre-half, one of two Irish players on their books in recent seasons along with Festy Ebosele.

Clubs from Italy, Germany and beyond are now taking advantage of the fact that UK clubs can no longer sign Irish players in the 16-18 age bracket.

And Abankwah would encourage anyone with a sense of adventure and ambition to make the move.