He scored the goal that sealed Cologne’s qualification to the group stages of the 2022/23 UEFA Europa Conference League but Kingsley Schindler is not resting until his name is on the lips of Cologne fans once again and even better – gets on a bigger stage.

If that is the target for Schindler, then, of course, he has the perfect stage to come back after quite a silent atmosphere in the early stages of his career. The Conference League has been the perfect opportunity for some of these players who have not gotten the credit they deserve.

Tammy Abraham, Lorenzo Pellegrini (both of Roma), Luis Sinisterra (Feyenoord) and Ola Solbakken (Bodo/Glimit) all played in the Conference League last season and their involvement saw them being in the news at a point in time.

"We went into the game highly motivated and knew from the start that we had to win. But we always want that. We pushed hard for 90 minutes, that We turned things around and are now very happy that we made it," said Schindler following his team’s qualification to the group stage.

"Playing on the European stage is of course really great for all of us. I'm happy I'm really looking forward to the group games. It will be something special for us and for our fans."

Cologne are drawn in Group D, where they will face Slovacko, Partizan and Nice in this season’s journey in Europe.

Schindler already plays in Germany’s top flight so you would like to think that is enough exposure for the kind of ambition he has set for himself. However, the player is far from just content with Bundesliga action as he targets minutes also in European competition.

Schindler is expected to make his debut in the European competition on Thursday when Cologne travel to France to play Nice in their opening fixture.

The World Cup dream

Just like every football player, the FIFA World Cup is one prestigious tournament that the 29-year-old is keen to be involved in. Earlier last month, he made known his desire and willingness to play for Ghana’s Black Stars should he be given an opportunity.

"I've said many times that it's a dream of mine to play for my parents' country," he said as quoted by Kicker. "Of course, you know each other and are always in contact. That spurs you on. I want to play good games with FC Cologne and continue to gas then Otto Addo has to decide," he added.

Fast forward a month later, the midfielder misses out on Addo’s penultimate squad for the upcoming international break ahead of the 2022 World Cup to be staged in Qatar.

Not being called up now might be a blow, but not big enough to kill the ambition of Schindler, whose desire to wear the colours of Ghana cannot be ended.

All the Cologne star needs to do now is to keep focusing on his game and deliver consistent performances to bring the Black Stars technical team to ‘his table.’

It’s easier said than done but Schindler is keen on making that dream a possibility even if it is just for some limited minutes.