Chuba Akpom thanked Hull City manager Steve Bruce for not pulling the trigger on sending the Arsenal loanee back to the Emirates Stadium.
The 20-year-old was seen throwing his gloves into the ground after being taken off in a Championship match against Reading before Christmas. His reaction had caused Bruce to contemplate whether to keep the brash forward or pursue other options in the January transfer window.
Hard fought win tonight. Let a lot of people down with my reaction, sorry to the fans, staff and club. Emotions got the better of me
— Chuba Akpom (@cakpom) December 16, 2015
“After the Reading game he sat me down and said listen: 'I love your competitive side but don't react like that again'. I learned even more from that than if he had sent me back, and I appreciate him doing that," said Akpom.
Bruce's faith in Akpom was vindicated when the Englishman secured his first senior hat-trick on Saturday in the 3-1 win against Bury, helping usher the Tigers into the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Pouncing on David Meyler's saved shot, Akpom opened the scoring in the 14th minute after Bury had conjured some chances at the other end.
Akpom then doubled the lead on 57 minutes, converting a penalty after Sone Aluko was contentiously awarded the spot kick after being fouled by Chris Hussey.
It was Akpom's final goal that stood out amongst the rest.
After making an intelligent run to break away from Bury defender Nathan Cameron, Akpom calmly entered the left side of the 18-yard box and with poise and skill, coolly cut back onto his right foot and dispatched the ball into bottom far corner.
tough 3-1 win today buzzin to get my first professional hat-trick hard work continues for more feelings like this pic.twitter.com/dIVvNoaSCN
— Chuba Akpom (@cakpom) January 30, 2016Bruce was proud of how Akpom had turned around the situation: “Whatever is said in dressing rooms or offices has to stay there. That's important. But he's responded in the right way, as if to say 'how dare you leave me out."
Hull have drawn Arsenal in the fifth round and will be aiming to achieve redemption for their 3-2 extra-time defeat in the final two years ago. This is the perfect result for Akpom, who will be looking to impress Arsene Wenger as his contract concludes at the end of the season, and what better place to do it than in the flesh.
Check out Akpom's treble of goals below:
By Andrew Maclean
