Boateng stars for Ghana's Under-20s

PANATHINAIKOS'S YOUNG forward Derek Boateng has been starring for Ghana in the Under-20 World Youth Championships in Argentina.

This has been a great boost for Panathinaikos coach Giannis Kyrastas. However, the only problem for Panathinaikos is that Ghana, after beating Paraguay 2-1 and Iran 1-0 in Group F so far, are to progress in the competition and Boateng therefore will not return in time to rest and then begin pre-season training.

But Boateng, who scored in both Ghana's wins, is now much more confident than six months ago, when he was signed from lowly Kalamata. And he could play an important role for Panathinaikos next season.

With Boateng in great form, Panathinaikos have the luxury of being able to sell George Karagounis to either Fiorentina or Perugia, who have sent their representatives to Athens.

The Greek club have also revealed that there are offers from foreign clubs for Helggi Sigurdsson and the Icelandic striker is set to leave this summer.