The rapid rise of Bright Enobakhare

It's been a traumatic couple of weeks for all those involved in the Bright Enobakhare saga.

The rights and wrongs of the youngster's unauthorised absence from the club have already been discussed.

But at the heart of it all is a talented young player looking to make his way in the world in a strange country.

And Kenny Jackett said things have come quickly for the Nigerian, who has made four first-team appearances this season aged just 17.

"It's a rapid rise that's he had," Jackett said. "He did very well in the youth team and showed a lot of promise.

"He's almost skipped the under-21s but his performances at times have warranted that.

"He's still potentially a youth-team player. We've been very impressed with what he's done."

[related_posts]

There were suggestions Enobakhare was dissatisfied with his lack of playing time this season, having barely featured for the under-21s due to him often sitting unused on the first-team bench.

But Jackett said: "He hasn't expressed any disappointment at not playing.

"He's had very good backing from the club. For somebody like Bright going to say, Derby County, and getting 10 minutes, going to these grounds for the first time, warming up on the pitch, sampling the atmosphere, being in the dressing room, is very good experience for him. We feel he's made very good strides and this season his involvement in the first-team squad he's done very well.

"Training with the first team for three months has brought him on as a person and a player."

[comments_cta]

Enobakhare has struck up a friendship with fellow foreign youngster Sylvain Deslandes, the 18-year-old Frenchman.

Jackett said of the pair: "Sylvain Deslandes and Bright have been in a similar situation, on the fringes of the team as young foreign players.

"He's quite good friends with Sylvain but also I think he's mixed in OK with all the players, senior and younger.

"His English isn't bad, it's improving, he doesn't say that much but I think he understands quite a lot.

"There's been no issues with him, not to my knowledge."

Enobakhare's mother is back home in Nigeria and his father is believed to spend a lot of time in Germany.

And Jackett expressed sympathy for the youngster

"He has had a lot of support from a lot of people but it's still tough," he said. "

[interruptor]

To have neither parent necessarily around, as much support as he's had from different people, there are certain times you need parental support.

We're talking about a young man who's 17 the people he lodges with are very good people and have tried very hard, but it's tough to be 17 and in this country, it's a very difficult situation."