John Cofie wants to rise with AFC Telford

The striker is the toast of the New Bucks Head after scoring on his first start to help Telford to a vital 3-1 win over Bradford Park Avenue on Saturday.

It's a result which pulled them to within two points of safety, ahead of tonight's twice re-arranged visit of Hednesford Town

Signed by Manchester United from Burnley at the age of 15, Cofie has spent the past two-and-a-half years bouncing around the leagues since being released from Old Trafford.

And he hopes that, in the Bucks, he has finally found the platform from which to plot a course back to the big time.

He said: "From what I have been through the past couple of years, I class myself as a very strong-minded person and my faith carries me through.

"I don't doubt myself for a second and the aim for my career is to play in the Premier League.

"I know through hard work that God is on my side so, no matter what, I want to play in the Premier League and if it is God's will then I will get there.

"All I want to do is enjoy my football, work hard for the team and hopefully we can achieve something as players."

Cofie is not the first former Premier League academy player to have tumbled through the divisions.

Yet few can match his journey, which has included a spell at Royal Antwerp and in Norway, with Molde's reserves.

He spent the first part of this season in the National League Premier with Wrexham before dropping another level to join Telford earlier this month.

Should this be the start of a career turnaround, Bucks supporters will be delighted.

They have seen the striker and fellow new-boy Eusebio Bancessi provide the cutting edge chronically lacking for much of the campaign.

A win over Hednesford tonight would launch Rob Smith's side out of the bottom three for the first time since November.

And, having started well, Cofie is eager to kick on after admitting his goal and the ovation he received from Bucks fans left him emotional.

He said: "Saturday was magnificent. I have not really played for a couple of years, I have been at places, at clubs, but not played.

"Obviously, it was magnificent to get a goal and magnificent to come off the pitch with the fan ovation.

"I got a bit emotional after my goal because it has been that long. I know everything I do God has been in control and I pray every day of my life that he will come through for me."

Right now, Cofie is happy just to be playing again, with him saying: "When I am on the pitch it does not matter where I am, at the end of the day football is football.

"Whether it be the Conference or Conference North or even the Sunday League, as long as I have a ball at my feet I'm happy.

"No matter what level it is, I am going to enjoy my football and play with a smile on my face.

"All I can do is work hard and that is what I intend to do. When you are having fun, you put yourself about."