Nigerian midfielder Tariq Uwakwe was in inspirational form for new club Accrington Stanley on Tuesday evening as they demolished Leeds U-21s 7-0 in the EFL Trophy, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The Chelsea loanee got off to a flier on his professional debut for the Reds at the Wham Stadium, scoring a treble and laying on one of the goals in the comprehensive victory.

Uwakwe only joined the EFL League One club yesterday on a season-long loan deal, but was thrown straight into the deep end, and the youngster did not disappoint.

He opened the floodgates five minutes into the game, slotting home past opposing goalkeeper Kris Moore before grabbing his second in the 22nd minute from a tight angle.

He will then set up teammate Ryan Cassidy in the 38th minute, floating in a cross for the striker to head in for five before completing his hat-trick 17 minutes from time.

The 20-year-old is in line to make his competitive league bow at senior level when Stanley face Peterborough United this weekend.

Emmanuel Chinaza