Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Gershon Koffie  says he is ready to fill the void created by the absence of injured Nigel Reo-Coker ahead of this weekend’s clash against Houston Dynamo.
The Ghanaian midfielder has found himself on the outside looking in to begin the season.
He saw his first action of the campaign last weekend, playing 20 minutes as a substitute in a scoreless draw with the New England Revolution. Now he's hoping to get back into the starting lineup and stick there.
“It's a dream of every soccer player to be in the starting 11,†Koffie said.
“But when you're not in the starting 11, you have to keep positive. Whatever you think must be positive.
“You have to keep your head up, because the opportunity might come any time.â€
As a 19-year-old, Koffie was a bright spot in Vancouver's dire 2011 first season in MLS.
He was combative in midfield, comfortable in possession and at times showed a strong range of passing.