With the African Cup of Nations taking centre stage last month, the world watched on as the likes of Yaya Toure, Wilfried Bony and Andre Ayew produced some scintillating football, yet it was the exploits of one man, Yannick Bolasie, of Crystal Palace and DR Congo who particularly impressed, netting once, and inspiring his side – an outside bet for the tournament – to the semi-finals.
Bolasie began his career at lowly Hillingdon Borough, and honed his skills in the Conference with Rushden and Diamonds before moving to Barnet. With his rise to the Premier League taking a long and winding road, we look at five current Conference players with the quality to follow the Palace man’s path…
Marc Roberts – DF (FC Halifax Town)
It’s been quite an 18 months for Roberts. Since his summer 2013 transfer from Buxton to new Conference boys Halifax, he’s developed into a formidable centre-half, possessing a strong presence at the back, and he even pops up with a big goal every now and then. He scored five times in 2013/14, as Neil Aspin’s men performed beyond all expectation in making the play-offs, and had notched three league goals before autumn had even hit West Yorkshire.
His long throws add another danger to his all-round game, prompting Birmingham City boss Gary Rowett to declare him as someone who has ‘the potential to play at a higher level’. The Blues failed in their January pursuit of Roberts, but are expected to come back for him in the summer.
James Norwood – CF (Forest Green Rovers)
Despite beginning his professional career almost seven years ago, James Norwood still classes as someone with bags of untapped potential. Although failing to make an impression with Football League side Exeter City, he’s since made a home at Forest Green Rovers, scoring 48 times in 150 games. A tricky player who can work on the wing or up front, he’s earned seven caps for the England C team, scoring four goals in the process.
His partnership this season with journeyman Jon Parkin has flourished, and the 24-year-old has bagged eleven goals in the league, as Rovers continue to make hay and hit strong form. If he continues his consistent and dangerous performances, it won’t be long until a big club comes knocking.
Connor Jennings – CF (Wrexham)
Jennings, a player with an eye for goal, terrific movement around the box, and someone who isn’t afraid of putting his weight around, comes under the category ‘old fashioned striker’, and at only 23 years old, he is already closing in on 100 career goals. He continues to build quite the Conference resumé, having played for Macclesfield Town, Grimsby and Wrexham during his short career, and has proven his hunger in front of goal at every given opportunity.
Two seasons have passed since his best goal tally (16 in 16 for Macclesfield), and Jennings is still to find his perfect match. One would imagine if he settles down at the Racecourse Ground and starts bagging a goal a game again, he won’t be hanging around the fifth tier for too long.
Nathan Blissett – CF (Bristol Rovers)
The nephew of ex-Watford forward Luther, a lot is expected of Nathan. The former British Gas repairman eventually signed a professional deal with Kidderminster Harriers a couple of years ago, and went on to star as the Harriers had their best Conference campaign in some years. After notching 10 in 62 games at Aggborough, he moved onto Conference new boys Bristol Rovers to start this campaign, and has made a similar impact, bagging nine league goals so far this season for the division’s top club.
If he continues his excellent form, he could well be equalling and furthering his Uncle’s past achievements.
Keanu Marsh-Brown – CF (Free Agent)
Keanu Marsh-Brown is a player with Premier League potential written all over him. A former Arsenal academy member, he made his professional debut for Fulham in 2009, scoring 10 goals in 29 appearances for the London club. Since, he’s made his way through Milton Keynes, Oldham and Yeovil, before settling briefly at Barnet, where he bagged an impressive 25 goals in 45 appearances.
He’s also represented his country 50 times at youth level, as well as appearing eight times for the C team. It all adds up to suggest true quality, but Marsh Brown is actually a free-agent, after turning down a deal with Peterborough in November. If the 23-year-old can settle, the only way is up.
