Millwall

HE'S GOT KARACAN PACE

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7 April 2008

By David Yuill

When Jem Karacan's burst of pace cut through the Bournemouth backline in the build up to Saturday's penalty, Lions fans got their first real glimpse of just what the Catford-born midfielder can add.

His pace and technical ability are among the qualities spotted by Kenny Jackett when he brought the nineteen-year old in on a month's loan from Premiership side Reading, to fill the void left by injuries and the suspended Marc Laird.
The 'News' spent time this week to find out more about the local lad who has uncles, cousins and friends screaming him on from the stands at the Den midway through his loan spell.

 
So how did Catford’s most recent export make his way to the Premiership?

My first club was Villacourt Rovers who play at Manor Way in Eltham. At seven I signed for Wimbledon and I was there for seven years until they decided to move to Milton Keynes. That was just too much travelling and I started to look for other clubs. I looked around and had trials at a few clubs but it was Reading that made me feel the most welcome

How different is the training set-up and the facilities down at the Den?

Reading are obviously a Premiership club with Premiership standards, in terms of their facilities and players. But at Millwall, the facilities are great. The training ground and all the pitches have always been good and I have been impressed. The intensity at training is high and the quality of some the players would not look out of place in the Premiership.

So what went through your head when you got the call from Kenny Jackett and he asked you to join your local club?

It was a bit odd. I had played for Reading reserves on the Tuesday, got the shout on the Wednesday that I would be joining Millwall and was at the training ground the next day. It was a pretty easy and straightforward decision to come down and I just couldn’t wait to get games and get winning.

How did you feel when you stepped out at the Den, for your home debut?

I know the atmosphere and how much it means to the fans at the Den and what it is all about. I have watched Millwall a few times down the years with mates, a few times this season. I have played there twice for Bournemouth but running out for Millwall was quite a buzz.

Did you know any of the squad before you turned up on your first day? Does that help?

I knew Lewis Grabban from way back. I had played in similar leagues and things as we were growing up in south London. I had played against Ali [Fuseini] and Jay [Simpson] through youth team football and they have all helped me along.

There are a few old heads around the training ground – has anybody gone out of their way to help you?

The likes of Richard Shaw and Neil Harris, who have been there and done it, have been among the first to put their arm around me and make me feel welcome. It is a massive help to sit down and have a chat about things with such massive players. Also, Ross Gaynor, who is a great young player, is a real laugh and has helped out.

How important is it to get first team football and what does it add to your game?

It helps me to get ready for what I hope is a career at the top of football. It prepares you like nothing else can for the atmosphere and how to deal with the nerves. It takes some getting used to the match situations and the value of points, winning games and in our case at the moment, to edge away from the drop.

Millwall have a young squad building for the future, but is the squad around you good enough to stay up?

There is a sense of disappointment with how things have gone this season and that it has to be salvaged at the end. Getting through this year and staying in League One is the first thing, but there are enough quality players here and if they can keep the young ones together and kick on early next season, I expect them to push towards promotion and definitely the top half.

Other than getting minutes, what do you hope to take away from your time at the Den?

It is not just about getting minutes, but about improving as a player. Getting up to speed with first team football and learning from the experienced players and different coaches that are around. I want to prove to people here at Millwall and also back at Reading what I am capable of as a player at this level and that I can improve.

And what do you hope to offer Millwall during this month?

I think I work tirelessly and give 110 per cent for the team. I like to get on the ball and to knock it about a bit and hopefully pick a few openings for the players around me. It is also part of the plan to add a few goals. I have scored a couple this season already and I look to have a go if I get the chance for Millwall.

FACT FILE

Name: Jem Karacan
Position: Midfield
Lions appearances / goals: 3 / 0
Career goals: 2
Former clubs: Wimbledon, Reading, Bournemouth (loan)
Date of birth: 21-02-1989
Place of Birth: Catford
Boyhood club: Barcelona
Recent room-mate: Ross Gaynor
Nickname: Djemba – Djemba

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