Ghana's new star Boateng dreams of move to Liverpool

SEGOU, Mali -- In Dereck Boateng Ghana have a new shinning 'Black Star' whose big dream is to play for Liverpool in the English Premiership alongside stars like Michael Owen and Emile Hesky.

Boateng, who at 18 years eight months is the youngest member of the Ghanaian team here for the African Nations Cup, has already established himself at the top Greek club Panathinaikos.

"It is everyone's dream to play regularly at your club in the league and in the European Champions League or the UEFA Cup. I am happy I got that chance... and I have taken it with both hands," said Boateng, scorer of seven goals so far this season in the Greek championship.

"But the league is not a big league with only two notable clubs, Pana' and Olympiakos. All the same I'm grateful I started my career in Europe here because I have learnt what it is to be a professional footballer. Greece has been a good first step for me."

He said he hopes the next step in his promising career, when his contract ends in two years, will be a move to one of Europe's more glamourous leagues with the English Premiership top on his wish list.

"Every day I dream of playing in England," said the youngster first spotted by the Greek side Kalamata playing for Ghana's 'Black Starlets' at the African Under-17 Championship in Guinea three years ago.

"In England, the pace is fast, the players are strong and a lot more intelligent now. That is where I wish to play."

And already top English Premiership outfit Liverpool have won him over. "I will love to play for Liverpool. They play as a team and like we have seen with players like (Michael) Owen, they encourage young players," he told Boateng, who is comfortable either as an attacking midfielder or striker, was unknown when he left his country having only played six first division matches for Liberty Professionals of Accra before he was whisked away to Guinea in 1999.

But today his soccer-mad country is banking on him to spearhead the once all-conquering 'Black Stars' to heights that even such world-class stars like Abedi Pele and Tony Yeboah failed to take this team to.

'I know the expectations are very high. But I won't call it pressure. I see everything as a challenge and I love challenges," he said.

"This is a young team very determined to do well and always setting ourselves targets. We can go very far in this tournament but everything depends on us. We have to continue to learn and be committed.

"Ghana is behind this team to raise our football again and that would also include qualifying for the 2006 World Cup."