Interest grows in hot Agogo

Striker in demand after exploits with Ghana

By Mark Kendall   Last updated: 6th February 2008  

Interest grows in hot Agogo

Agogo: Crucial goals

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Junior Agogo is hoping his eye-catching performances at the Africa Cup of Nations will help him to fulfil his ambitions at club level.

The Nottingham Forest striker has made himself a national hero in Ghana having helped the hosts to the semi-finals of the tournament with his goalscoring exploits.

Having won a crucial penalty in the opening game of the tournament against Mali, Agogo then scored winning goals against Namibia in Ghana's second group match and in the dramatic 2-1 quarter-final victory over Nigeria last weekend to take his tally to five in 11 caps for his country.

The 27-year-old will lead Ghana's line against Cameroon on Thursday and is relishing the opportunity to shine on the big stage once again.

"I'm really looking forward to the semi-final with Cameroon and think we have a great chance, especially with the backing of our fans," Agogo told skysports.com.

"The tournament has been fantastic so far, both for the team and me personally.

"There is a great spirit within the camp, everyone gets on well as you can see on the pitch and I feel really at home at this level.

"Hopefully my performances have demonstrated what I can do and will enable me to move to the highest level possible.

"I'm confident I can perform and score goals anywhere now and would love the chance to prove that at club level also, whether it's in England or abroad."

Interest

With reports of interest from Italy, France and Germany, Agogo's agent Saif Rubie admits his charge has won a number of admirers with his performances in Africa.

Rubie insists Agogo remains committed to Forest - for whom he has bagged ten goals this term - but concedes the player is determined to test himself at the highest level possible should the opportunity arise.

"Junior has been fantastic for Ghana in this tournament and has proved beyond doubt he has the ability to play at the top level in club football," Rubie stated.

"Obviously he's happy at Forest and is committed to helping the club achieve promotion, but like any player he is ambitious and wants to test himself against the best and his performances in the African Cup of Nations show just what he is capable of.

"Unsurprisingly there has been interest in him, but Junior is focused on maintaining his form for club and country and knows the rest will take care of itself."