Hearts of Oak agile goalkeeper Philemon McCarthy is confident to assume his position in the Black Stars after an impressive performance for Hearts of Oak on his return after a whole season of absence. The 28-year-old played his first competitive match this season in last Sunday’s 1-0 away win at Heart of Lions in the Ghana Premier League.The former Gomoa Fetteh Feyenoord took a U -turn to Fetteh Feyenoord after his form suffered a dip. McCarthy is bent on taking over the Black stars number one position after his impressive performance against Kpando Hearts of Lions in the match day 16 of the Glo premier league. “Hearts of Oak got a whole lot of potential goalkeepers like Sammy Adjei, Tetteh Luggard and that is the sort of competition I need to get back to my form,” McCarthy told Joy Sports. “I’m so happy am back at Hearts of Oak and I have these kind of people who could push me to get [ the results]. I will get there for sure.” He fell out of favour after the 2006 World Cup tournament because of injuries and the availability of Sammy Adjei for Hearts of Oak. But his impressive outing for the country at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in the Ivory Coast in 2009 where they reached the final brought him back in contention for the Black Stars. In his debut tournament, he sat on the bench throughout the tournament. Rated as the best keeper in Ghana 2008/2009 season, McCarthy is noted for his huge goal-kicks and brilliance in one-on-one situations.