Rock star treatment in Liberia should serve Ross County star well
Nohan Kenneh experienced the rock star treatment when he went on his first international trip with Liberia last month – and he is sure that will only help him in Ross County’s final Premiership run-in.
The 20-year-old played for England at youth level, but made his debut for the country of his birth against South Africa in an African Cup of Nations qualifier.
Although the result did not go Liberia’s way, it was an experience Kenneh will not forget any time soon.
“Anybody would want to play for their country and it was a massive step for me in my career,” he explained.
“I played youth football for England, so I had to think about it. Liberia had been trying to track me down for a while to come to play for them, but at that stage I felt I wasn’t ready.
“Now, my heart is fully Liberia. Being over there was mad.
“Before the game, coming towards the ground on the bus, the fans were following you, literally the whole way to the stadium there were people lining the streets, cheering. Even in the warm-up, it was a half-full stadium.
“If we had won the last game, we would have qualified, but they made it through against us, 2-1. I was heartbroken, but I wouldn’t change anything, really.
“There was probably 30,000 in the stadium, but outside it was just crazy. People were banging on the windows. It was almost like being a rock star!
“I’m quite laid back and try to keep it calm, but it felt almost like another world. You’re thinking ‘these people are actually here for us’ – it was quite different from the Highlands!”
Back in Dingwall, though, Kenneh and company will take on Aberdeen in league action tonight.
After stepping up to international level, he is confident of coping with whatever the Dons will bring.
“It is just all experience – moments – for me, because I’m still new to the professional level,” he added.
“I’ve played a lot of games and that’s the main thing I came here to do.
“My main aim coming to Ross County was to develop myself as a player and then go back (to Hibs) and whatever happens, happens.
“I’ve really enjoyed it so far – the manager has trusted me to play in the games and so far, so good.
“There is a lot of experience in the squad, boys who know how to handle these kinds of situations. I feel we’re ready for it.”