Junior Agogo has spoken of his delight at scoring his first international goal for Ghana and admits he is already setting his sights on the 2008 African Cup of Nations.

The Nottingham Forest striker opened his Black Stars account with the equaliser in Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Australia, which was played in front of a full house at Loftus Road. The 27-year-old, who only made his full debut against Japan on Ghana's East Asia tour back in October, was on hand 15 minutes from time to stab home from close range to cancel out John Aloisi's first-half penalty.

It capped a fine display from Agogo who looks to be cementing a starting berth in Claude Le Roy's side. His rise to prominence with the Black Stars could not have come at a better time with the next African Cup of Nations due to be held on Ghanaian soil in 2008.

The hit-man is hoping his strike against the Socceroos will prove the first of many for his country and was quick to pay tribute to his team-mates for his rapid adaptation to the international arena. "Obviously it was a massive night for me and to score my first goal for Ghana made it even more special," Agogo told skysports.com.

"The fact there was such a big crowd and so much support for us added to the occasion and, to be honest, it's a real honour to have the opportunity to represent my country. The boys have been really supportive ever since I linked up with them and there's a good team spirit in the squad.

"Their performances at the World Cup made everyone realise just what a good side they are and I'm delighted to have the chance to be part of that and now want to make sure I keep my place. The best way for me to do that is to score goals and if I can keep on producing the goods then hopefully it will be hard for the manager to leave me out.

"It's an exciting time to be involved, the 2008 African Cup of Nations is already a big target for me and I hope I'll get the chance to perform in that."

Agogo is also enjoying his football at domestic level this season having clinched a move to table-topping League One outfit Forest just ahead of the transfer deadline back in August. He already has three goals for his new employers and is now hoping to help fire them to promotion to the Championship.

"It's been a good season for me so far," he continued. "Every player wants the chance to play at the highest level possible and I'm no different.

"The past couple of seasons have not been easy, but I've worked hard and want to thank the people around me like my family and my agent (Saif Rubie) who have helped me. The move to Forest has gone well and I feel like I'm settling in now. Promotion is the target for everyone and I'm sure we have the players to do it.

"It's nice to have the chance with both Forest and Ghana to demonstrate what I can I do and I am just focused on trying to maintain my form."