JIMMY Bell says his admiration for Offrande Zanzala has gone up a level after discovering all about his background.

The striker was born in Congo and lived through a civil war as a toddler, escaping to the jungle to try to avoid the conflict and then, aged three, moving with his family to Austria, where his father had found work as a journalist.

Bell says he knew Zanzala would become a good striker for Stanley, but admitted it came as a shock to learn of his early life.

But Stanley’s assistant manager says it explains why the 21-year-old is so appreciative of his life in football.

“I only found out about his background this week. He’s kept that quiet, but I listened to him for a good hour the other day, and I’m absolutely made up for him,” said Bell.

“From the upbringing he’s had in the Congo to what he’s doing now, he’s proud and he’s made up to be doing what he’s doing.

“He appreciates everything that he’s got in life and he’s just a fantastic man.

“And he’s started to score goals and that’s what counts.

“A couple of weeks ago Zanzala couldn’t hit a barn door but now he’s banging in goals and looks full of life and a seasoned centre forward.”

And Bell says he always believed Zanzala would hit form, and eventually convinced one of his three sons round to his way of thinking too.

“I knew he wasn’t doing much wrong apart from putting the ball in the net,” said Stanley’s number two.

“His runs were fantastic, he was running the channel, he was strong, he was creating chances and getting brought down for penalties.

“He was doing everything but score goals.

“He missed a few chances and one of my sons was saying ‘he’ll never be a player’ and me and another son would argue every single night with him saying ‘once he scores one this kid will get going’ and he’s proved that. He’s been fantastic, and my son’s come round now too!”