Striker Prince Tagoe has spoken of his desire to answer his critics by with improved performances for Ghana at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 25-year-old has come in for a lot of flack after enduring a woeful spell with the Black Stars in recent times.
His place in Ghana’s squad for the tournament in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea has been questioned by many especially as he is preferred to the top goal scorer in the Ghana league, Emmanuel Baffour.
The Bursaspor marksman has however taken the criticisms in his stride saying it is part and parcel of a football life but admits he has payback on his mind.
"There are ups and downs in football. If you are not good at football, you can never play at a certain level," he said.
"In life there are times things just don't go well but it does not mean you don't know how to play. The most important thing is that I accept I am struggling form wise. But against South Africa I felt good about myself."
"I feel to become a better player, all this is part of the game. It is those who have you at heart who will criticise you. I believe I can come back to my old form.
“Naturally some of the criticism will affect you especially when people overlook so many things. I think with prayers and hard work we will be able to overcome it very quickly."
While Tagoe admits his recent form has been no good, he believes Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic has stuck with him because he proved an able source of goals when Asamoah Gyan missed key qualifying games with a red card.
"When Asamoah Gyan was unavailable I scored stood up. I was the top scorer in the Nations Cup qualifying for Ghana so clearly the coach remembers that," he added.