Position: Midfielder
Born: 02.05.83
Club: AIK Stockholm

Derek Boateng was once regarded as one of the most promising young African players in the world.

At the age of just 16 he left his homeland to play in Europe for Greek side Kalamata FC and after an impressive spell there he was snapped up by Panathinaikos in January 2001 in a deal reportedly worth over £1million.

But despite a sprinkling of appearances in the Champions League, the fast midfielder struggled to win a regular spot in the Greek giants' side and was eventually loaned out to OFI Crete in 2003.

In July the same year, Boateng earned a permanent move to AIK Stockholm in Sweden where he has now become a prominent member of the side.

He only played one of Ghana's World Cup qualifying games given the strength of their midfield, but his recent form means he could be given a chance from the bench this summer.