Cudjoe hopes to catch Ghana coach’s eye against champions
MATHEW CUDJOE is determined to make his mark against Celtic – and boost his chances of realising his World Cup dream with Ghana.
The skilful midfielder was snapped up by Dundee United in November last year and has featured five times so far this season for Jack Ross’s side. Cudjoe has already represented his country at Under-20 level and he hopes to be called up to the full squad ahead of the World Cup in Qatar in November.
Today’s game against Celtic at Tannadice will be shown live on TV back in Ghana and Cudjoe believes it is the perfect opportunity to impress his family, friends and national coach Otto Addo.
Cudjoe, who has been monitored by scouts from English Premier League outfit Brighton, said: “I watched Celtic when I was growing up as they were in the Champions League. They are a big team with some great players.
“The game is live back home on Sky so there is a big incentive for me to do well against them. My mum and brothers will be tuning in so hopefully I can play well for them as well.
“My dream is to be part of the World Cup with Ghana so these are the sort of games where I can make a big impression. I am working extra hard so hopefully I will be there. Certainly if we can get a good result against Celtic and I do well, then that can only help me.”
Cudjoe and United will have to be at their very best to have a chance of upsetting all the odds against Celtic.
The Tangerines have lost their last four games, conceding 15 goals in the process, while the Hoops have won their opening four Premiership matches.
However, Cudjoe insists the United players retain the belief and confidence that they can produce a shock result.
He added: “We are ready for the Celtic game. We know it is a big match but we just have to be really focused on the pitch and we are ready to fight for everything.
“I believe in myself whenever I go onto the pitch and I want to achieve things with United, but it is a good game to have as a team.
“It will be incredibly tough but anything can happen in football. We know we will have to work extra hard as Celtic are a really good team.
“So we just need to believe in ourselves. The confidence is still high. We just have to listen to the coaches.”
While United have suffered an early-season slump, Cudjoe is still happy with how he has done so far in this campaign under new boss Ross.
He added: “I started well but unfortunately we have lost a few games. That is part of football but if we continue to work hard and stay focused it should turn. Better results could just be round the corner. The new manager has played me in games and that gives me confidence. He is giving me the opportunities so I have to deliver on the pitch.”
Dundee United have a fully-fit squad apart from Peter Pawlett.