Italy-based striker Richmond Boakye-Yiadom has expressed optimism of winning the Shield National Player Awards.
The player from Serie A side Genoa is vying for the Ghana Under-20 Most Valuable or Outstanding Player award.
He scored five goals in the qualifiers to the 2011 African Youth Championship and netted ten times for Italian Serie B side Sassuolo last season.
Boakye-Yiadom is excited his hardwork on the pitch is being recognized by the authorities.
''One of the most important things is to recognised for what you do.
"If I am being recognised for my exploits on the pitch, I can only be grateful to God, the fans and the people around me.''
Boakye-Yiadom has won the Goal King award in the Under-20 and dedicated the award to his mother, father, brother, Oliver Arthur and Asamoah Gyan.
"My family has been very supportive and believe me I wouldn’t be who I am today without them.
''Gyan has been my football hero and I love him for being so successful, caring and inspirational.
"Oliver Arthur spotted me, pushed me up and now guides me so thumps up to him."
The 18-year-old has been linked with Italian Serie A champions Juventus.
Watch highlights of Richmond Boakye Yiadom's goal scoring exploits in Italy.
[media id=444]