High-flying Ernesto Farias aiming for Argentina call-up

Ambitious Porto striker making up for lost time

FC Porto striker Ernesto Farias is enjoying a personal resurgence with the Portuguese champions and would like to see the good times continue to roll.

The Argentine recently forced his way into Jesulado Ferreira’s starting XI, thanks largely to the absence of Tarik Sektioui who played for Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations. Farias is making the most of his opportunity, scoring four goals in Porto’s last four matches.

The South American arrived at the Portuguese champions this past summer as one of the Dragons’ most expensive ever acquisitions, but injuries and poor form meant he barely featured in his first six months in Portugal.

That is all changing now as former River Plate player is finding the back of the net with regularity and has shown he can be a big asset to Porto’s already impressive armoury.

“I want to secure my place at Porto and continue to improve as I can give more than I already have. I know I can accomplish it if I am well integrated,” said a determined Farias.

Argentina dream

The player’s current form has him thinking ambitiously, saying he intends to fight for a place in Argentina’s national team despite having to compete with players like Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero and Javier Saviola.

“Clearly I am thinking about representing the national team. All players like to represent their national team. As a result, my thoughts are to continue to improve at Porto because if I maintain the same level at a big club like this one, things will naturally take their course.”

The reigning Portuguese champions take on third division minnows Sertanense in the Portuguese Cup on Sunday. Some will see it as a cakewalk for the Dragons, but Farias insists the team will be fully focused in order to progress in the tournament.

“On Sunday we must approach the match as Porto always do. We must put on a lot of pressure and have patience because we will play in a small stadium. We must take advantage of the opportunities we create.”

“The principal objective is that FC Porto start the match with a strong winning mentality. We want to go far in the Portuguese Cup.”