COLCHESTER United boss Danny Cowley has praised Samson Tovide’s ‘incredible character and personality’ – and has rewarded the young striker with the weekend off.
Tovide has started all ten of the U’s League Two games so far this season and was in the thick of the action in their 1-1 draw at Leyton Orient in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, on Tuesday night.
Tovide was jeered by some of the home supporters after a challenge with Brandon Cooper saw the O’s centre-back go crashing into the advertising hoardings and have to be substituted in the second half of the 1-1 draw at Brisbane Road, before the striker blasted a spot-kick over in the penalty shoot-out.
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Nevertheless, the 20-year-old gave the Orient defence a tough time in the group clash and Cowley says he will be giving the striker a rest this weekend, with the U’s without a game following the postponement of their clash with Fleetwood Town.
Speaking on Tovide being booed by the Orient fans, Cowley said: “It takes the heat off me, because it’s normally the supporters having a go at me!
“Let me tell you, if he plays for Leyton Orient, then they’d be singing his name, that is for sure.
“He’s just a hard-working boy who gives everything.
“He’s got incredible character, incredible personality and plays with so much desire and determination and fight.
“I’m really pleased to have him in our team.
“I’m going to give Samson this Saturday off and give him a rest – it’s the only one he’s getting it, so he’d better enjoy it!”
Cowley has been partnering Tovide with experienced striker Lyle Taylor up front for Colchester, with the pair hitting six goals between them so far, this season.
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“That partnership is growing and they have a good influence on each other,” added Cowley.
“Samson is a unique boy – he may be young in age but he’s very mature in how he has good understanding of the game and good understanding of his own performance.
“He works very, very hard in games.
“Lyle of course has a wealth of experience and real high quality.
“They’re helping and supporting each other and it’s not easy being a number nine.
“You normally have two big ugly defenders marking you, so you have to look after yourself and look after each other.
“They’re doing that and giving a good threat at the top end of the pitch.
“We’re happy with their goals, their link play and creativity.”
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