*Credit: SportsInGhana.com*

Nothing will stop Turkey-based former Heart of Lions defender Jerry Akaminko from keeping hope of earning a call-up to play for Ghana. Akaminko has exclusively told *SportsInGhana.com* from his Turkey base that his ambition to play international soccer remains unwavering even if he has been overlooked in the past.

That is why the 22 year old former national Olympic team player is keeping hopes alive that new Black Stars’ helmsman Goran Stevanovic will extend his net wider than previous Ghana coaches. Akaminko hopes Mr. Stevanovic keeps him too in plans for the national team.

“It will be an honour and more than a dream come true to put on the Ghana shirt. That is the dream of every player, to play for your nation and I will not give up till I get the call-up. We pray that the new coach will cast the net wider and I believe he will realize that some of us who have been ignored in the past can also do the job for Ghana,” Amakinko said via phone.

Akaminko played in the Black Meteors side that failed to qualify for Beijing 2008 Olympic Games but still within the age limits, the former Heart of Lions defender relishes the opportunity to make amends by helping Ghana qualify for London 2012, the same time he is keeping an eye on a call-up to the Black Stars proper.

And to say he is ready may even be an understatement because the rugged defender has been doing the job week-in, week-out in Turkey for second tier side Orduspor who currently lie 3rd at the halfway stage of the 2010/11 season. Akaminko whose contract runs out at the end of the season, is not overly concerned with meeting its renewal demands of Orduspor chiefs, than helping the club secure promotion to the elite league of Turkey come next term.

“I am focused on helping the team gain promotion directly into the Super League and not through the play-offs which could be difficult. We want to have a good run in the second round to finish in the top two because we want to qualify for the Super League. For my contract renewal, I’m relaxed. I don’t want to have any regrets. I’m concentrating on playing now. Let’s qualify first then I can sit down and decide whether to stay or move on,” Akaminko says.

Few days off for Christmas aside, the Ghanaian player has been in camp with Orduspor as they maintain their keenness on promotion when the second round kicks off on January 23rd. Jerry Akaminko is focused on the goal and all he wants his fans to do is remember him in their prayers. “I’ve missed my fans, family, friends and loved ones in Ghana. They should pray for me that I will help qualify my team to top league, get a call-up to play for the national team and also play for a top club in Europe,” he said.