Dan Nlundulu lifts lid on Bolton fans social media abuse after St Mirren Hampden heroics
The 26-year-old striker is looking forward to playing in next month's Premier Sports Cup Final for the Buddies.
Dan Nlundulu insists the abuse he suffers at the hands of social media keyboard warriors is fuelling a career revival after his Hampden heroics.
The big striker was on target for the third game in a row as St Mirren marched on into the Premier Sports Cup Final with a convincing 4-1 victory over Motherwell on Saturday night.
A double from Mikael Mandron either side of goals from Nlundulu and Richard King ensured a brilliant win for the Buddies who will now face Celtic in the Sunday, December 14 showpiece.
Saints moved on deadline day to snap up Nlundulu who left Sky Bet League One Bolton Wanderers after a tough two-year spell.
The 26-year-old was a magnet for criticism from fans — and is still on the receiving end since moving north of the border — but he is now using the stick he takes as motivation to shine for Saints.
“This is why you have to believe in God,” he said. “Football changes quickly. At Bolton, the fans didn’t like me very much. I got a lot of abuse on Twitter. As a human being that’s got socials, I see all that — all the abuse and harsh words.
“I ain’t going to repeat what they say but my family and friends have kept me locked in and not to look at that. But, as a player, it’s hard. Now I’m doing this, it shows great confidence.
“In a way, I kind of want them to carry on. Even whilst being here, I still see comments taking the p*** out of the league because I am doing well. It ain’t nice to see but it’s football. Even the best get criticised so I’m obviously going to get criticised.
“I used to take it personally but I don’t now. I just want to continue to prove them wrong, believe in God and the goals, God willing, will keep on coming.”
Nlundulu has faith in a higher power and thinks his current form surge in Paisley is down to belief and hard work.
“I’ve been through a lot,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of injuries. Only He knows but right now God is blessing me. You’ve got to stay humble and keep your feet on the ground because He can take it out as well.
“Only He really knows what I went through; all the cries I had at night because I wasn’t playing because of injuries or abuse I was receiving from Bolton fans.
“I was praying. He told me that things would change and you’ve got to keep the faith. That’s what I had to do and right now He is proving me right.”
Nlundulu’s goal was a peach and helped Saints to a resounding success. He added: “I’ll never forget that one. I’m just grateful.
“That is what I have been practising. Every time I get a chance to shoot, I just shoot. Sometimes you just have to let it off.”
Don't miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – you can sign up to our free daily newsletter here