NOAH OHIO will use his best pal Jude Bellingham for inspiration as he looks to finally shine in English football.
The striker, 21, got a text from the England midfielder straight after his first Hull goal sealed a 2-1 midweek win at Rotherham.
The January loan signing from Standard Liege knows he has much to do to match £115million star Bellingham’s 20-goal haul for Real Madrid this season.
But Ohio said: “He’s someone to look up to. He helps when he can, gives me advice. He’s at the top of the world but still so grounded and a humble boy.
“His text said, congratulations and good finish — but I need a few more to catch up with him!
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“He’s the best in the world but to me he’s just Jude. He’s been my best mate for four, five years now. We played for England Under-16s, that’s when we got close.
“It’s been nice to see the growth of him. I’m really proud — he’s a superstar.”
Holland Under-21s ace Ohio added: “You know it’s possible because your friend’s got there.
“So anything is possible and everyone’s journey is different.
“He tells me to stay focused, don’t look left or right, it’s your own journey and your own path. Don’t compare and keep going at it. The more focused you are, the more success you will get.
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“He’s really happy for me when I do well, just as I am when he scores every week.”
Ohio was signed by Manchester United at the age of 12 but left for derby rivals City’s academy in 2016.
He turned down a pro deal with Pep Guardiola’s side three years later in the hope of greater first-team opportunities elsewhere.
He joined RB Leipzig but struggled there and at Vitesse, Austria Vienna and Standard as he tried to establish himself.
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Ohio is itching for a taste of the Prem but does not see his past as unfinished business.
He said: “I chose to go abroad when I was quite young and I had to make a decision for me. I’m really grateful to both clubs.
“I had a great time and most of my mates are playing in the Championship or in the Premier League, and doing so good.
“I hope to follow and make a name for myself in England. I think it’s the ambition of all the boys, to play as high as we can.
“Now it’s the right project to come back to England. I wouldn’t have come back if I didn’t feel it was the right time.
Eighth-placed Hull go to 20th Huddersfield today and Ohio said it was a “no-brainer” when Tigers boss Liam Rosenior called.
He added: “The manager, the style of play and the owners made a big impression on me.
“Any young player Hull City want, when they have the conversation, they will be sold immediately because there’s a clear project.”
