Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu is desperate for a call-up from coach Milovan Rajevac after hitting the ground running in his career in Europe.
With the tournament in South Africa just some 50 days says his experiences in the Italian top flight should help him gain a place in the Black Stars squad.
Badu signed for after helping Ghana's U20s to win the World Cup later last year and also helped the Black Stars finish second at the Africa Cup of Nations.
With the Serbian coach likely to call-up his players for the tournament in the coming days, Badu says his experiences in the tough league could help him seal a place.
"It is all in the hands of the coach and his technical team but I really want to be there", Badu said.
"I feel I have learned a lot in the last year at my time with the Under-20s, the period I have spent in a highly competitive League like Italy and the Nations Cup where I picked up valuable experience will all come in handy if I get the chance to play at the World Cup."
Badu excelled in the absence of Essien and with the Cheslea star returning, the Udinese could be an adequate replacement for his senior colleague.
The youngster praised midfield dynamo Kwadwo Asamoah for helping him settle well in the Italy as it was his first time playing club football abroad.
“He has helped me integrate because he understand and speaks the Italian language better,†he said.
“On the field he is very good for Udinese. I think he will be very very important for the Black Stars at the World Cup.â€