New Motherwell signing Kofi Balmer believes that Scottish football is ‘underrated’ and is hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow countryman Steven Davis in carving out a successful career North of the border.
The 23-year old joined the Steelmen this summer from Crystal Palace after a series of loan spells in the English lower leagues and insists that the Premiership is brimming with quality.
Balmer said: “I think Scottish football is underrated, I think people write it off in England but when I’ve came up it’s been quality.
“There are plenty of players that have been there and done it. For Northern Ireland you’ve got Steven Davis he’s had a brilliant career. I came up and I knew what I was expecting, it’s fast paced and there is a lot of quality so hopefully for me I can meet that standard.”
During his time at Crystal Palace the defender served under French icon Patrick Vieira and despite not making a first team appearance, he described learning from the World Cup winner as an amazing experience:
“He’s a massive name in football worldwide, he’s won big trophies so I think going in and having that person teaching you and keeping you right everyday in training is something you don’t really expect but before every training session he was constantly working on me with quick feet and we had games of two-touch to get me moving quicker.
“(Playing two touch with him) was difficult, he was ruthless! He can stitch you up a wee bit but I’m only going to learn from it, it was amazing to be involved in it.
“I appreciate everything he done for me, he gave me the chance to be involved with the first team on the bench. I think that really helped with my confidence and I’ve been able to progress to where I am now.”
His Fir Park career got off to a dream start as he netted in a 3-0 victory over Edinburgh City in the Premier Sports Cup group stage opener.
Currently a Northern Ireland under-21 international, the Balmer hopes that plying his trade in Scotland will help him catch the eye of national team boss Michael O’Neill.
He added: “When I was on loan at Wimbledon, no disrespect they are a great team, but I don’t think I had the chance for the International call-ups but with here you’re playing against brilliant players every week and I think that gives me a really good chance of getting into the International team, depending on my performances. It’s up to me.”
