Leeds United striker Caleb Ekuban has set sights on maintaining his place in Thomas Christiansen starting XI in the English Championship after making the line-up for the first time in three months on Saturday.
The 23-year-old is only just back from injury, having been in the treatment room since picking up a foot injury in August.
After two substitute appearances upon his return, the Italian-born was handed a rare start in the trip to Barnsley, and he reckons he did just enough to hold down the spot as Aston Villa visit on Friday.
“I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to be part of the line-up and help my team mates after injury, unfortunately I didn’t score against Barnsley but I was happy with the team performance," Ekuban said, as reported by the club's official website.
“I hope I can keep my place now against Aston Villa, I think I helped the team, but you never know.
“I think I proved I am okay and in good condition after my long injury and I am available for the coach if he decides to select me.
“There is a huge expectation here, but we are players who can deal with that kind of pressure and we are showing it.
“Maybe a few weeks ago we didn’t show it, but we are comfortable playing under pressure."
Still awaiting his maiden Championship goal, Ekuban has made four league appearances involving two starts so far for the Whites, whom he joined in July.
The Italian-born, who wants to represent Ghana at senior level owing to his parentage, was on the books of Albanian side Partizani Tirana last season.
Villa, meanwhile, will be led by compatriot Albert Adomah, who has impressively netted 10 times in 12 league starts so far this campaign.
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