FORMER Newport County AFC loan star Antoine Semenyo celebrated his "surreal" inclusion in the Ghana World Cup squad with his first goal for the Black Stars in a pre-tournament friendly against Switzerland earlier today, writes Andrew Penman.

The 22-year-old forward, who excelled for the Exiles during a successful spell on loan during the 2018-2019 season, made his debut for Ghana in June in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar.

But the Bristol City youngster says he did not expect to be on the plane to Qatar.

“I woke up early on the Monday and I got a call from a plus 233 number – that's a Ghana number – and I wasn't sure," Semenyo told BBC Radio Bristol.

"I was a bit sceptical picking it up and it was the assistant coach saying I've been selected and it was all due to the hard work, so I'm happy.

South Wales Argus: 12.01.19 - Crewe Alexandra v Newport County - Sky Bet League 2 -.Antoine Semenyo of Newport County in action against Crewe Alexandra.

"It felt so surreal, honestly, I couldn't believe what he was saying. I even thought it was a fake number at one stage.

"But when he told me I was just so excited, rolling around in my bed so happy. That's all the hard work that's gone into it."

Semenyo has been a first-team regular for the Robins in the Championship since the 2020-21 season and has been closely monitored by Ghana assistant coach, George Boateng, and Chris Hughton, who has been working as a technical advisor for the team.

"[They] give me their intake on what they think I can improve on and what they think I've done well,” said Semenyo.

“I'm in contact with them regularly and they give me feedback constantly about my game.

"I want to be playing, I want to be involved so hopefully I've done enough to get in the starting line-up."

A goal in yesterday’s 2-0 win over the Swiss in Abu Dhabi will have done his chances no harm.

Ghana face Portugal in their first match next Thursday, before playing South Korea and Uruguay in Group H.

And, while they might be the lowest ranked team in the tournament, Semenyo insists confidence is high in the camp.

"We're just going to work hard, play our game and hopefully we can cause an upset," he added.

“The dream is to win, you always want to win. But getting into the round of 16, round of eight, it's definitely the target and then going from there."