STRIKER Elijah Adebayo says he is learning on the job after joining Swindon Town on loan from Premier League side Fulham in the summer.

The 20-year-old frontman, who has had loan spells with Bogner Regis Town and Cheltenham in the past year, has played 19 times so far this term scoring four. In those 19 appearances, Adebayo has been deployed up front on his own, as well as further out on the left-hand side.

Two years ago, while he was at his parent club, Adebayo was seen as a central defender, despite spending his childhood idolising both Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Adebayo has since been restored to a role as a striker, and says he is very much enjoying the position.

“I was a striker before I got converted into a centre half,” he said.

“The reason I was put in as a defender was because of my attributes, they saw that I was big, strong and had a very good understanding of the game.

“I trained there a couple of times during the week, played one game there on a Saturday and then they told me that was my new position.

“But in the back of my mind I was thinking that I love scoring goals, so I went back to being a striker.

“I learnt new things every day, I learnt things by watching television and from just watching people play.

“I listen to information but I think playing as a defender has helped me as a striker.

“It taught me where to be and since I’ve been here I’ve learnt how to play against League Two defenders.

“Thierry Henry was a very good striker and I used to watch him quite a lot.

“As I got older, I started to watch Zlatan because he is big, strong and he has nice quick feet for a big man.

“Those are two of my favourite strikers.”

After claiming their fifth win of the season away to Notts County last Saturday, Adebayo says it is crucial the club follows up the result with another positive display this weekend.

Adebayo also praised the team spirit around the Energy Check County Ground after the win.

Colchester United host Swindon tomorrow afternoon and the 20-year-old says he and his teammates are ready for the challenge.

“The boys were buzzing with the win on Saturday,” added the Fulham youngster.

“Obviously we know the last few weeks haven’t gone our way, but we were doing everything right on the pitch.

“We are taking a step in the right direction and we are just doing it a game at a time.

“As a team we always show character whether we are winning or losing.

“I think that is a good trait to have as a team, and I think we are going to have to show that again.

“We need to show the ruthlessness in both boxes again and carry on playing on the front foot.

“We want to show teams that we are there to play and that they are not in for an easy day.

“Three points is a big factor in football and I’ve learnt when things aren’t going right , they will if you keep your head.

“If you keep plugging away, eventually, you’ll get to the other side.

“You can never down tools because it’s not just about me, it is about the team and the squad.

“You need to take into consideration that when I’m not doing well, the squad will pull me through.

“We can pull each other through and I think that is a good thing to have in a team.”