I’ve got ambitions... but right now I’m just happy netting for Accies

Dec 15 2006

RICHARD Offiong has set his sights on the big-time... but wants to help Hamilton get there first.

The former Newcastle striker, who turns 23 on Sunday, has been a revelation up front for Accies this season, with eight goals to his credit.

Offiong is only too happy to help Hamilton by hitting the back of the net but he’s ambitious too, and wants the best possible platform on which to display his goal-grabbing skills.

The affable Englishman said: “I didn’t set any targets before the season started — I just want to play as often as I can and score as many goals as possible.

“As any football player has, I have aspirations of playing at a higher level — you just want to play at as high a level as you can.

“I’m happy where I am at the moment and just want to keep doing what I am at Hamilton for the time being. I just want to keep playing football.”

Richard was pleased with his goal in Hamilton’s 1-1 draw with Queen of the South last weekend but knows he should have won the game at the death.

He said: “I had a few chances and could have scored a few more but I’m happy with my goal.

“I had a chance in the last minute that I sent over the bar and it’s just because it came to my left foot, which I need to work on, to be honest.”

Offiong has now set his sights on Saturday’s visitors St Johnstone, and feels Accies can climb the First Division.

“It’s another big game and I’m looking forward to it,“ he said. “St Johnstone are a good, strong team and maybe they’re not doing as well as they hoped but I’m sure they’ll give us a big test.

“This is a real test of our credentials to see if we’ve got what it takes.

“We’ve hit a rut with a few draws of late, but we’re looking to get back to winning ways.”

He added: “The First Division is tough, but I’m really enjoying it.

“Hamilton can keep up with the rest of the teams at the top if we steer clear of injuries, but we need to get back to winning ways as quickly as possible.

“We’ve had two home draws recently, and we’re not happy about that, but hopefully we can put that right during Saturday’s game.”