Man on a mission

The injured George Elokobi shows the kind of determination that has made him a fans-favourite.

GEORGE Elokobi is back to peak form and determined to make history with Athletic this season.

The 29-year-old defender was a powerful presence at the heart of the back-line that kept high-flying Swindon at bay this week.

And ahead of Saturday’s £5-entry home game against Colchester — Elokobi’s first pro club — the popular centre-back says the team won’t shy away from the pressures of keeping pace with the division’s top clubs.

“When I first joined the club it was all about working hard,” Elokobi told the Chronicle. “I didn’t come to Oldham to finish mid-table. I always try for the best. I’m giving my heart and soul out there.

“Unfortunately the setback in September kept me out for 10 weeks. I came back a little rusty and it took a couple of games to get going. I’m back to my best now.

“We are trying to put a run together with 17 games left in the season. We take one game at a time and try to go out to win every game. If you want to make history in football you have to put that pressure on yourselves.”

Former Wolves favourite Elokobi as in the Colchester side last time Athletic beat the Us at home nine years ago. Nobody is taking anything for granted against the relegation-threatened club, he says.

“You can never get complacent in this league,” Elokobi added. “Anyone can beat anyone on their day.

“It is not going to be easy and we need to work hard for it — even harder than against Swindon. We won’t take them lightly either.”