THE EXPLOITS of Ashgold's young midfielder, Alhaji Sani has caught the attention of the Club's Head Coach, David Duncan, and has consequently described him as the likely candidate to step into the big boots of Chelsea's Michael Essien.

"Apart from Michael Essien, I believe Sani is peerless in terms of controlling the heart of the game, and I would not be surprised if he steps into his shoes after the Chelsea star hangs his boots," Duncan said.

After snatching the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Cup with a lone goal through Valentine Atem in Obuasi last Sunday, Duncan described the young midfielder as one of the best midfielders in the country at the moment.

" The boy is simply good, when he receives a ball, he knows where, when and how to do the distribution with par excellence, and that makes him unique among his mates," was how Duncan described the intelligent midfielder.

Sani, a member of the 2006 SWAG winning team gave the assurance that he will not relent on his oars, but will strive for nothing but excellence in his career.

"I will not allow how my Coach and my mates say about me take the better part of me, but will work harder to reach the top," he told The Chronicle Sports after the game last Sunday.

Contrary to rumours that in spite of the 17-year-old midfielder's brilliance his name is absent from the list of players that will be playing in next year's Champions League, an insider of Ashgold said "It's not true, even he is number one on the list."

The insider stated that: "It is rather Camerounian striker Valentine Atem, who will be missing in action for the Champion's League competition."

"Atem want's to go back to his homeland for personal reasons," the insider added.