Midfielder Prince Buaben hopes his move to Partick Thistle can keep his World Cup dreams alive as he looks to gatecrash Ghanaââ¬â¢s squad for Brazil.
Buaben was left heartbroken when his World Cup hopes four years ago were ended by injury just a month before the tournament in South Africa kicked off.
The 25-year-old now wants to make up for that by reclaiming his place in the Black Stars squad and admitted he had to leave Carlisle to make that happen.
Buaben signed a loan deal with Alan Archibaldââ¬â¢s side.
On the reasons behind his move, Buaben said: ââ¬ÅMyself and my agent have been speaking to the Ghana manager Akwasi Appiah and he told me I need to be playing at a good level to have a chance of going to the World Cup.
ââ¬ÅI had an opportunity four years ago to go to the World Cup but I injured my knee in a friendly. The game was in Ghana and I wasnââ¬â¢t used to the surface.
ââ¬ÅIt was so hard to take and while I was hoping Ghana would win games in South Africa I could barely bring myself to watch any of the matches and only watched their quarter-final fixture where they lost on penalties to Uruguay. This time weââ¬â¢ve got a great group with Germany, the USA and Portugal and the fact that itââ¬â¢s in Brazil would make it a dream to be a part of â⬓ but I need to be playing first.
ââ¬ÅThe Ghana manager says I need to be playing in the top flight. I donââ¬â¢t mean any disrespect to League One in England but this is the Scottish Premiership.
ââ¬ÅI was called up last year for a friendly against Nigeria but it was called off and then I got injured so Iââ¬â¢ve not had many chances.
ââ¬ÅI want to go to the World Cup. I know the manager likes me and always phones my agent to see how Iââ¬â¢m progressing. Thereââ¬â¢s a lot of competition with the likes of Michael Essien and Kevin-Prince Boateng in the team so that highlights the quality the manager can call upon.
ââ¬ÅI spoke to Essien and he told me to keep focused â⬓ even though we play in the same position, he always encourages me. Heââ¬â¢s gone to AC Milan, Iââ¬â¢ve come to Partick Thistle â⬓ maybe one day Iââ¬â¢ll be at Real Madrid.ââ¬