Carayol hoping to be a favourite with the Bristol Rovers fans

Gambia hopeful Mustapha Carayol hopes the sight of him flying down the wing will quickly make him a fans’ favourite at English League Two side Bristol Rovers.

The summer recruit from Lincoln City was a popular figure with Red Imps fans during his time at Sincil Bank last season, and is relishing the chance to win over Pirates’ supporters this season.

Carayol, who also had previous spells with MK Dons and Torquay, said: “This is the biggest club I’ve played for in terms of support, and hopefully we can make them proud of us at the end of the season.”

“You need the fans behind you, especially when you are an attacking player like me. Hopefully they will stay behind me, even if I’m not having a great game. I like carrying the ball and trying to be positive, then getting crosses in for the strikers. I know that sometimes I’m going to lose the ball, but hopefully I can set up some goals for the forwards and score a few myself as well.”

“I think we’re having a good season with some decent results, so hopefully we can keep that going. Anything less than promotion [into League One] will be a disappointment – and hopefully we can go up automatically.”

Carayol, 22, admits he’s no fan of the running that came as part of pre-season training, but knows the fitness work was essential preparation for the tough campaign ahead. “Nobody really likes doing all the running that’s been involved, but I know it’s necessary if I’m going to get up and down the wing,” he said.

“There have been a lot of double sessions, which have helped me get to know the rest of the lads and, most importantly, how they play. I’m more of a game player than a trainer, so now I’m just really looking forward to recover from injury and help the team get to the top as you know we are 17th in the league right now and have to focus on the games ahead.”

“It’s close to where I come from, so I’ll have a few of my family there to watch me. A few of my friends play for Wimbledon and I’ve been in touch with them. It’s going to be a packed ground, so it’s one to really look forward to.”

“I’ve had a few little niggling injuries in the past so my main hope is that I can stay fit and get as many games as I can under my belt after I recover,” he concluded.