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Crystal Palace striker Kwesi Appiah has words of advice for Hull City new boy Johan Ter Horst after clinching Premier League move

Johan Ter Horst Picture: Gary Browne
Johan Ter Horst Picture: Gary Browne

The last player to leave a Kent non-league club for the glamour of the professional game has told Hull City new boy Johan Ter Horst to listen to every bit of advice going.

Kwesi Appiah moved from Margate to Crystal Palace in the January 2012 transfer window having scored 35 goals in half a season with the Ryman League club.

Teenage striker Ter Horst signed a three-year contract with Premier League City on Monday and Appiah knows exactly how he will be feeling.

The Eagles hitman said: “It’s not easy making the step up and he’ll be a bit shy to start with but hopefully he’ll let his football do the talking.

“I went straight into the first team squad at Palace. I don’t know what Johan’s situation is at Hull in terms of whether he’ll start off in the youth team but the step up from non-league to the professional game is significant.

“The main thing to worry about is finding his feet as quickly as possible. He needs to impose himself on the team and make a difference from the get-go.

Kwesi Appiah in action for Margate Picture: Dave Stewart
Kwesi Appiah in action for Margate Picture: Dave Stewart

“The earlier he shows what he can do, the more chance he’ll get to play in the first team or progress through the development levels.

“Don’t be too nervous, take all the advice you can get from the club and pay attention to what you’re being taught.”

Appiah didn’t make the cut for Palace’s 25-man Premier League squad this season but recently signed a new 18-month deal with a two-year option.

He enjoyed a prolific stint on loan at Skrill Premier Cambridge and is back at Palace after a spell with League 1 Notts County.

Full-time training has improved his game significantly and he feels Ter Horst will also benefit.

Appiah said: “You get more time to work on things like technique, speed and agility.

“I feel my game has come on leaps and bounds and you improve physically when you’re training every day as well.

“In terms of opportunities for youngsters and inexperienced people, it’s been harder for me since Palace were promoted to the Premier League.

“There’s more at stake in the Premier League so in that respect the promotion halted my progress but once I didn't make the 25-man squad I had opportunities to move out on loan.

“Cambridge was brilliant. It reminded me of Margate when I was playing well and scoring goals.

“Notts County didn't work out. They were struggling at the bottom of the league and it was tough but I still learned from it.

“I've got an ankle injury at the moment but I'm hoping to get back out on loan before the window closes next week.”

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