KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — Nigerian hotshot Austin Amutu is already being hailed a hero in Kelantan after his two late goals sealed the Red Warriors’ passage to the FA Cup final.

Kelantan beat defending champion Pahang 3-2 on aggregate last Saturday in Kota Baru after losing the first leg 1-0.

The striker, whose heroics earned the east coast side its third final appearance in four years, wants to polish his shooting boots ahead of tomorrow’s final against LionsXII for the fans, who he says, were the main reason for his move to the state.

“I scored the winner two minutes into injury time. In Nigeria, the stadium would be half-empty as the fans would’ve assumed we had already lost,” said the lanky hitman. 

“But the Kelantan fans grew louder as the game progressed and I desperately wanted to score when I came on. They are the best fans I’ve played for.” 

Kelantan coach Azraai Khor signed Amutu on a six-month loan from Nigerian club Warri Wolves FC during last month’s transfer window and attributed the forward’s presence to the team’s change in fortunes.

Amutu wants to convert the loan spell into a permanent one and continue playing in front of the boisterous Kelantan fans.

“I heard the fans had been talking about me before I signed, so when the team approached me, it was an easy decision,” said Amutu.

“They’re so appreciative, always sending me encouraging messages on Facebook. They get upset if I say I’m not playing, so sometimes I tell them otherwise, just to get them to the stadium,” joked the 22-year-old, who is still adjusting to life in the east coast.

“I initially came here with a friend. After he left, I’ve been a little lonely. My teammates are nice but language is 

sometimes a problem. 

“I understand everything the coach tells me and I’m determined to carve out a good career with Kelantan. If other Nigerian players like Obinna (Nwaneri) and Dickson (Nwakaeme) can do well here, so can I.”

The striker, still nursing a calf injury, is also willing to play through the pain so his side wins its third FA Cup title in four years.

“When I scored my first goal against Pahang, I looked up to the sky and said to God ‘If I get another goal, I’ll be the happiest man on earth’. He answered my prayers. I hope my other prayer will be answered as well on Saturday.”