Ezequiel Schelotto gives this rousing message to Brighton's Premier League new arrival Alexis Mac Allister
Mac Allister trained with his new teammates yesterday as Graham Potter and the squad prepared for Saturday’s return to Premier League action against Sheffield United following their winter break to Tenerife.
Mac Allister cut short his loan spell at Boca Juniors and arrived at the Amex in January. The Argentina international is available for selection for this weekend's crunch clash at Bramall Lane.
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Hide AdSchelotto knows how the club make it easy for players from abroad to settle into a new environment.
He said, “I remember when I came to Europe for the first time from Argentina to play in Italy I was 18 and had my Dad with me – just the two of us. It wasn’t easy but all I wanted to do was play football.
“So I know what it’s like and I will help Alexis in any way I can and be close to him.
“We have a good club here who help young players who are away from home from the first time. Hopefully my experiences of Europe and being from Argentina like him can help Alexis.”
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Hide AdSchelotto has played in Albion’s last two games, coming on as a second-half substitute in the 3-3 draw at West Ham and then making his first start since Boxing Day in the 1-1 draw against Watford last time out.
“It was great to start against Watford and hopefully I will get more opportunities,” he added.
“Against West Ham and Watford we had a lot of chances, but the Premier League is tough and you have to concentrate for 90 minutes or more.
“But we have a very good competition for places within the group and we all want to contribute to the team. As the coach said, we go game by game and I am sure the wins will come at some moment for us.”
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Hide AdMac Allister hopes to make a positive impact at Albion and is looking forward to showing the home support what he can do on the pitch. “I don’t know if there is a lot of expectation here but, if there is, I am happy about it," he said.
“I’m happy that the Brighton fans expect a lot of me because I have a lot of expectation of the team and of doing well myself.
“Let’s hope that is the case, for the good of Brighton. I thank the club for trusting in me last year when I signed and they are doing it again and I’m excited to get going.”