Deschamps taught me to be a winner - Kevin Osei

New Carlisle United signing Kevin Osei says French World Cup legend Didier Deschamps taught him how to be a winner.

Osei was coached by Deschamps during his time at Marseille and says the former national captain was a major influence.

The 24-year-old was on Marseille’s books for 11 years before deciding to try his luck in the English game, this week signing a six-month deal with United after a successful trial.

The speedy forward, who shared a dressing-room with top stars like Gabriel Heinze and Fernando Morientes, said: “My first coach was Didier Deschamps, and he told me everything about the professional game.

“He gave me a lot of advice and a lot of his experience. For a young player to be coached by a guy like him is very good.

“He gave me the winning spirit and a lot of things that will help me now in my career.”

Osei, who has also played in Belgium, is awaiting international clearance ahead of next weekend’s League Two kick-off at Mansfield.

The frontman, who harbours ambitions to play for the Ghana national side, insists he is ready to take the plunge in England.

“I’m very happy to come here, it was a good opportunity,” he said.

“When I spoke to my agent and Carlisle wanted me to come on trial, I thought yeah, why not – I really like the English mentality, everybody knows in France and all over the world that in England they love football.

“When the manager [Keith Curle] said to me he liked me, I appreciated that.

“I also have a friend who used to play in League Two, Reda Johnson, and when I asked him about it, he said if you have the opportunity to come, you have to.

“The games are even on TV and it’s very good for me to show the people what I can do.” On life at United he added: “I’m really excited for my new challenge, excited for next week against Mansfield, and we hope to do a great season.

“The fitness coaching has been very hard – we don’t have a lot like that in France – but now I feel very good and it’s going to help me for the season.

“Everybody here is friendly, I feel very good here. I hope I will play well and show people what I can do.”