Chukwuemeka is 'enjoying' learning under Curle

Academy striker Caleb Chukwuemeka says he's 'enjoying' learning his craft under the guidance of manager Keith Curle.

The 18-year-old has come a long way in a short space of time. He was sent to train with the youth side during pre-season after Curle questioned his lack of 'hunger', but now finds himself firmly part of the first-team picture.

Chukwuemeka has made nine appearances this season and scored two goals, including his first league strike at Wigan Athletic on Saturday.

"I'm enjoying learning under the manager," said the teenager. "I know he has a lot of trust in me and he's always pushing me. Even when he has to tell me what to do, he's not afraid to do that so I know he really cares about me and I'm grateful for that.

"It's just good to be in the environment. I've settled in now and I feel like I'm a part of the first-team. Obviously, I'm still only 18 so just to be around the first-team and getting along with all of the players is very good for me."

After a series of substitute appearances, Chukwuemeka's next target is to make his first league start.

"I'll try and get more game-time but we have players like Smudge, Rosey, Ricky, Benny and a few others here so there's good competition," he added. "There's a good spirit and whether you start or come off the bench as an impact bench, we're all pushing for the same result.

"When we have team meetings, we talk about how we need to be more streetwise so we're trying to apply that more and hopefully we'll get better at that and manage games better.

"It's not been the best run and we know we've been making mistakes but hopefully we can kick-on from Saturday's win and get another result against MK Dons."