Derek Boateng is eyeing a place in Ghana's starting line-up at next year's World Cup finals.

The 22-year-old's road has not been easy. He flopped and ended up on the bench at his Swedish club, AIK, and consequently lost his place on the Ghana national team. He sustained a barrage of criticisms, but did not give up and worked hard to get back on the team.

Eventually, he helped the Solna club achieve promotion and has now been rewarded with a call-up to the Ghana friendly against Saudi Arabia on November 16.

"This is Derek's big chance to take a place in the World Cup side," his agent Patrick Mork told the Swedish newspaper Expressen.

"He is tremendously inspired for the challenge."

"To play at the World Cup is the biggest thing a footballer can do."

But with a world-class midfield of Sulley Muntari (Udinese), Michael Essien (Chelsea) and Stephen Appiah (Fenerbache), getting a place will not be easy for Boateng.

Playing in a new role, other than his usual central midfield slot, should not pose too many problems for Boateng.

"Derek has played on the right a lot in the national team," continued Mork. "It is not an unusual position for him.

"I believe he has a good chance to get a place in the World Cup team."