SJK Seinajoki’s head coach is impressed with how quickly Ovie Ejeheri has adapted to his new surroundings, making his debut in a friendly on Saturday.

Arsenal goalkeeper Ovie Ejeheri joined SJK Seinajoki on loan this week, having been called back from a successful spell at non-league club Chelmsford City this month.

Though SJK are currently on their winter break, they’re preparing for the return of competitive football, and Ejeheri got the chance to feature in a friendly on Saturday.

Ejeheri played the second half of the match against Estonian Cup holders Paide Linnameeskond, who took a 2-0 lead before half-time.

In Ejeheri’s half of the match, he avoided conceding any further goals, and SJK pulled one goal back for 2-1.

After the game, SJK boss Joaquin Gomez admitted the goalkeeper didn’t have much to do, but he likes what he’s seen so far.

“Ovie Ejeheri had a slightly different debut because he had no work to do in the match,” Gomez said. “But I hope that he won’t have many of them in the future.

“In any case, he was involved high up, building the game, and was even at the end to score when he got involved in the corner kick.

“It was great to see him on the field right away, and it’s been great how quickly he has adapted to his new teammates.”

SJK are competing in the Championship Group in the Veikkausliiga in Finland, fighting for European qualification.

That’s a major step forward from playing in the sixth tier in England, which was where Ejeheri was playing his football with Chelmsford.

The young goalkeeper made 25 appearances for Chelmsford, keeping 12 clean sheets. He even earned a reputation as a bit of a penalty-save specialist, after keeping out two spot-kicks in two games.

He won Chelmsford’s Player of the Month award in November, and helped them up to fourth in the table for a promotion charge.

As much as the fans were sad to see him go, Ejeheri’s loan to Chelmsford was always due to expire this month, and he now has the chance to play top-flight football.