Vieira urges Poku to prove his worth

New York City FC coach Patrick Vieira says midfielder Kwadwo Poku must fight for his place in the team.

The 24-year-old was one of Major League Soccer’s revelations last season, notching four goals and providing seven assists in 27 appearances.

However, the Ghanaian has been unused in all three of New York City’s league games this season but stands a chance of making his bow when his side play New England Revolution on Saturday.

“It’s all depending on how he [Poku] works in training,” Vieira was quoted as saying by MLSSoccer.

“If he works well in training, if he works hard in training, he will have a chance. But if he doesn’t and other people do it, other people will have a chance in front of him. You need to earn that spot because there are so many players who want to play.

“This is our job as well; for me and my staff to be a bit more clear and spend more time to explain what we want regarding the position he plays.

“It’s just a question of time. It’s not about the talent because he has the talent. It’s about how he can use the talent to help the team. This is what is important.”

Poku travelled to the USA in 2010 to pursue a college education and soccer but joined NPSL side Georgia Revolution in 2011 after failing to land an admission.

He then transferred to Atlanta Silverbacks from which he switched to New York City in January last year.