By Ameenu Shardow
Midfielder Joachim Adukor aims to win a regular starting spot in the Gefle IF side with the start of the Swedish league this weekend.
The 19-year-old joined Gavle-based side at the middle of last campaign where he struggled to get games under his belt.
He his however confident of his first team prospects this season haven undertaken a full pre-season training with his team in Cyprus.
ââ¬ÅIt was a fantastic pre-season,â⬠Adukor said. ââ¬ÅIt was my first pre-season abroad and I had the chance to experience new things, new atmosphere and places.
ââ¬ÅWe were on a training-camp in Cyprus; I really worked hard and learned many things.
ââ¬ÅMy first objective is to establish myself in the first-team. I am very young and I have been working hard to achieve that.
ââ¬ÅThe squad is very settled, the coach knows his players very well. It isn't easy and I must keep working hard. I believe I can take my chances.ââ¬
Gefle IF start the campaign away at Swedish giants Malmo, who finished in fourth-place last campaign and Adukor is staying positive about his teamââ¬â¢s chances of a victory.
ââ¬ÅIt is a very tough start,â⬠the young central-midfielder continued.
ââ¬ÅGoing away from home will really be difficult and a club like Malmo are very strong.
ââ¬ÅBut, we are well prepared and are looking forward to tomorrow. We are aiming for a top-eight finish this year.ââ¬