IT is a day Oldham Athletic’s Callum Lang says he will remember for the rest of his life.
The 20-year-old striker was referring to his last-gasp goal that enabled Latics to become Emirates FA Cup giantkillers following their victory at Premier League club Fulham.
Lang, who is on a season-long loan from Wigan Athletic, said: “It was a day to cherish and one I will remember for the rest of my life.
“I cannot stop talking about it and I look at the highlights every day and still get goose bumps.
“I have only been in the game as a professional for two years and to get an experience like that has given me a lot of confidence.”
Lang added he will also never forget the celebrations after the game with his family among the 4,000 Latics’ fans behind the goal at Craven Cottage.
He was also thrilled that his goal featured in a Roy of the Rovers: Cup Heroes Special produced by the Football Association to commemorate all the third round giantkilling acts.
However, Lang admitted he had no idea is was based on the 1950’s cartoon strip featuring Roy Race and his Melchester Rovers team and it was his father and grandfather who acquainted him with the history.
“Hopefully I can make more moments like the one at Fulham and be in more comics in the years to come,” he said.
Lang admitted his moment of glory was even more special given the setbacks he has received during his career.
The Bootle-born Lang was released by Liverpool at Under-13 level and that was followed by unsuccessful trials at Everton and Bolton Wanderers saying such setbacks have made him stronger.
“The day I was released by Liverpool I said I wanted to prove them wrong when I got the chance,” he explained.
Lang added he had visited the school attended by his 10-year-old brother Ben and spoken to children about knockbacks and how overcoming them makes you stronger.
Reflecting on his time at Boundary Park, Lang admitted it has been a good career move.
He said: “It is great to have the opportunity to go out on loan to get experience and to improve.
“I had a loan last season at Morecambe where I scored 10 goals in 30 games, though a lot of them were coming off the bench.
“It was tough as Morecambe were involved in a relegation battle and we stayed up on goal difference.
“I wanted to take the next step and it has been great fighting towards the top of the table as opposed to being at the bottom.”
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