Hull City's teenage defender Danny Lupano can't wait to get Derry City spell underway

The talented centre-back left his home in Brussels at the age of 16 in the hope he could carve out a career in professional football in England.

Having found himself a club in the English Conference with Solihull Moors, he was soon scouted by Birmingham City who he joined in 2018.

After leaving the Blues he returned to the National League with Hednesford Town and following trials with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leicester City and Hull, he put pen-to-paper on a one year professional deal with the Tigers, with an option of a further year.

He's been playing for the Tigers' Academy in the English Development League ever since. However, thanks to Declan Devine and Paddy McCourt's close relationship with McCourt's former Northern Ireland teammate, Grant McCann - the current first team boss at Hull - Derry City managed to convince the Championship club a move to the League of Ireland would benefit his development.

So having headed in an equaliser against Newcastle U23s to earn Hull a point at Whitley Park at the end of January, suddenly Lupano finds himself on the verge of playing senior football in Ireland for the Candy Stripes.

It will no doubt be valuable first team experience between now and the end of June when his six month loan spell expires, and the Belgian can't wait to get started.

"It's been great so far and I've been enjoying it," he said. "Pre-season training has been tough but I'm really happy to be here and I'm excited to get started.

"I needed a new challenge," he explained. "As a centre back you need experience playing at a top level. In the Championship you need a bit of experience before you get playing and so this experience should be very good for me.

"Since I was very young I always had the dream to come over to England and play in the Premier League. That's the dream - the Premier League and I still have those dreams," added the ambitious defender.

"It's a step by step and hopefully this is another step for me towards that goal. I need to play as many games as I can here and then we'll see what the future holds."

His teammates and the City boss have been impressed by what they've seen so far from the young Belgian who has good physical attributes, composure on the ball, versatility and key defensive qualities.

He played 45 minutes at right-back in the pre-season friendly against Bray Wanderers in Dublin and his ability to play centre half and in midfield means he will be a welcome addition for Devine.

"The last time I played at right back was ages ago, maybe eight or nine months ago but it was good to be getting game time. I was comfortable, so it was alright .I know how to play everywhere across the back so it was okay."

Lupano's grasp of the English language is impressive and his communication skills have also been beneficial for another of Derry's close season signings.

Ivory Coast winger, Moussa Bakayoko's English is limited and so Lupano has been translating from French for the player which has helped him get to grips with his new surroundings and his new teammates on the training ground.

"It's different here as well because of the accent compared to England," he explained. "It's been good for both of us. Moussa can't speak lots of English so I can translate for him as well which helps him settle in."

He's struggled with the cold weather conditions but other than that he's fitted in seamlessly at the club and has been impressed by the facilities.

"It's well different to what I'm used to. Belgium is warm and it's very cold here. To be fair I didn't expect it to be like this, It's really nice and everyone has been really nice. I didn't expect it to be like it is in the UK. The pitch looks nice and it's a lovely stadium."

So what can we expect from the young Belgian?

"Energy, a winning mentality and tackles," he laughed. "I want to establish myself as a centre half but wherever the manager wants me to play I'll try my best. I'll give 100 per cent.

"Personally I want to get as much game time as I can and gain lots of experience."