Kwadwo Asamoah says he can carry the hopes of an expectant nation as Ghana bids for the perfect start to the 2010 World Cup.

The Udinese midfielder has become the focal point for Ghanaian hopes after a string of fine performances in the national colours particularly at the Nations Cup.

And with Michael Essien absent and Appiah far from the dominant force he was four years ago in Germany, Asamoah is the man many Ghanaians will be looking up to for inspiration.

He tries desperately to deflect the attention but admits to the pressure.

"I am really happy to be with the team right now because this is the world cup and like every player I want to show what I can do here,” Asamoah told KickOffGhana.com.

"There is no pressure on me but as a player you need to take some responsibilities and I am prepared for that. You see people talking about you but you don't have to get excited and call it pressure. You have to focus and work hard and that is what I can do.

"I cannot do it all alone cos this is about 11 players. I will do all I can to help the team if I have the chance to play then that is fantastic," he concluded