GROWING up in the United States, where soccer still remains very much a fringe sport, Ramon Nunez was always attracted by the bright lights and big names of European football.

Whether Leeds and Scunthorpe United were top of his list is doubtful.

CHALLENGE: Ramon Nunez is confident he can make an impact for Scunthorpe United on loan from Leeds.

But a chance to ply his trade with the Iron is an opportunity the Honduran is grateful for nonetheless – particularly as he has struggled to impose himself at Elland Road.

Nunez has made just two substitute appearances for the Whites since joining last August from CD Olimpia.

It was an unusual scenario for an international midfielder, more accustomed to playing week in, week out.

The well travelled 25-year-old, who moved to America aged five, has notched up several stamps in his passport across the other side of the Atlantic.

Having started out with Dallas Burn, he has also had spells in his native Honduras and Mexico.

But it is in England where he is determined to make his mark, with an initial month's spell at Scunthorpe providing him an opportunity to do just that.

"It has always been a dream for me to play in Europe," said Nunez, who has over 30 caps for his country, including at last year's World Cup in South Africa.

"I thought I'd try it out.

"Ideally I wanted to go to Spain but I got the opportunity to come to Leeds and said yes quite quickly.

"When I came to Leeds I was looking for the opportunity to better myself and keep playing.

"That's not really happened and it's been a bit frustrating for me.

"It's been very tough.

"I've not really had an opportunity to play and show what I can do.

"I've never been in a similar position before.

"I've come from playing in teams and playing in the World Cup to not really getting a chance.

"But, at the same time, I know Leeds is a big club.

"For the next month or so, I'm going to put Leeds on hold and try to do my best for Scunthorpe.

"I would definitely like to stay in England for a long time.

"I like to take things step by step, and my first step now is to do well with Scunthorpe."

To read Nunez's thoughts on what he will bring to the Iron side and a potential debut at Norwich City tomorrow, see a four-page match preview in Friday's Scunthorpe Telegraph.