Jermaine Pennant hoping nephew Kian can become breakout star under Jermain Defoe at Woking

Jermaine Pennant’s nephew, Kian, made a fine impression in Jermain Defoe’s first game as Woking boss.

Defoe was surprisingly named as the new Woking head coach last month in a shock move for the former England striker.

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He said of his new role: “Woking is a historic club with huge potential, and I’m thrilled to be part of this exciting project. I can’t wait to get started.”

And the 43-year-old oversaw an entertaining 3-3 draw in his first game as the Cardinals played out a six-goal thriller with Eastleigh.

Pennant, who spent time on loan at Gateshead earlier in the campaign, scored Woking’s third goal – opening his account for the club following his switch from Leicester last month.

His strike saw the hosts earn a point on Good Friday as they fought back from 3-1 down at the Kingfield Stadium.

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Defoe was full of praise for Pennant following his goal off the bench last week, telling talkSPORT: “Everyone wants to play, and when you come on, you have to make an impact and he definitely did that.

“We had one training session and that was more tactical, but from what I’ve seen so far, he really excites me.

“I’m looking at everyone. When you become a manager or coach, training can’t replicate the game, it was a fantastic finish.

“I’m happy for him and hopefully, going forward, he can gain confidence from this and he can help the team from now until the end of the season.”

Ex-Arsenal and Liverpool star Jermaine was asked about his nephew by talkSPORT co-host Jason Cundy on The Sports Bar on Sunday night.

To which Pennant, a right winger during his playing days, claimed Kian is not his only relative that is one to keep an eye on.

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He said: “He’s got a brother as well, hs older brother, Terell [Harborough striker].

“He was at Leicester, and he’s such a talent as well, he’s such a talent.”

Speaking specifically about Kian, Pennant then stated: “He’s talented. he plays on the wide right.

“It just runs in the family, my dad’s left-footed, Terell’s right-footed and he’s [Kian] right-footed.

“He’s a good boy, good parents, good family, so he’s got that backing.

“So if does reach the heights that he can, he’ll have good people around him, which is great.”

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Woking followed up their 3-3 draw with Eastleigh with a 0-0 stalemate at Braintree on Monday.

The result relegated Braintree with three games of the season remaining.

Woking, meanwhile, sit 11th in the division, though Monday’s draw extended the club’s winless run to five matches.

Next up for Woking is the welcome of Morecambe this weekend as Defoe looks to claim his first win as head coach.

Woking then face Gateshead and Halifax Town later this month to see out the season.