Manchester United youngster Tahith Chong has spoken of his delight at scoring his first senior goal in English football.
The 22-year-old started a senior match for the first time since October in Birmingham City’s 2-1 victory at Bristol City on Saturday.
It took the Dutchman only two minutes to open the scoring at Ashton Gate with a clever turn and composed finish from inside the penalty area.
That was Chong’s first goal for the Blues and his first strike since netting for Club Brugge in February 2021.
His influential return to Lee Bowyer’s side caught the attention of former Birmingham midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Delighted to be back playing and being injury free after a tough spell on the side-lines, Chong announced his return in style.
“Before the game I was speaking to some of the guys, Lyle [Taylor], Baca [Juninho Bacuna] and obviously it’s been a while since I have started. I came out the stadium was full, I had that buzz, it was a nice feeling,” Chong told BBC WM.
“It’s wonderful. When you get injured it’s tough, I was still watching all the games, you are supporting them but on the other hand you want to be on the pitch.
“It is tough mentally, I was just very happy – even when I came out the stadium was full and I have not had that for a couple of months, it was exciting.
“I have come back, the changing room is almost completely different there is new players, some I knew already some I didn’t – and we are getting used to each other.
“We have got good players and hopefully we can just keep building.”
With his confidence likely to be soaring, Tahith Chong will be hoping to maintain his good run of form when Birmingham face Hull City at St Andrew’s on Saturday where the forward could come up against his Manchester United teammate Di’Shon Bernard.