AKPO SODJE is a very determined young man.

The 22-year-old striker is focused on making the most of his second chance at Football League level.

And if he needs any inspiration, he doesn't have to look far.

Brother Efe went all the way from humble beginnings to the World Cup with Nigeria, and Akpo would love to follow in those sizeable footsteps.

"I've followed his football career all the way through," said Akpo, who was thrilled to take his League bow alongside Efe as a substitute with Town in last weekend's 3-0 victory at Port Vale.

"When he started out in Nigeria I was holding his boots and watching him in training, so I'm really excited now to be in the same team with him.

"Efe has had a really good career and myself and my brother Sam, who is a centre-back at Brentford, are determined to try and do the same."

Born in England, Akpo - whose full Christian name is Iroroakpeyere - went to Nigeria as a baby and grew up there, coming back here only in 2000.

"I was playing alongside Sam in the top league over there when I was very young," explained Akpo, who has been signed on a three-month contract by Galpharm manager Peter Jackson.

"When I came to England I signed straight away on a two-year contract as a full pro with QPR and, while I didn't really make the first team, I played in a lot of Reserve matches.

"It was around the time the club had a lot of financial problems and got relegated and, unfortunately, I was released when the new manager, Ian Holloway, came in.

"I played for Stevenage (where Efe started out), Margate and Gravesend before signing for Erith and Belvedere."

Akpo cracked in 24 goals last season and has already shown his eye for a chance with some spectacular pre-season goals and a fine strike for the Reserves in last week's home defeat by Scunthorpe in the Pontin's Division I East.

"The gaffer said I did well in that match, but I was still surprised to be on the bench for the first team at Port Vale and really, really happy to play for the last few minutes," he said.

"I was thrilled, very excited to play in the Football League for the first time, especially with Efe on the pitch.

"The fans were behind me, cheering my name as soon as I went on, and that was great because it gave me a big lift.

"I am very determined to do well. All my life it's been my dream to be a professional footballer and I got that chance at QPR, but I lost it.

"Now I've got another opportunity thanks to Peter Jackson and I have to not only thank him for that, but repay him by doing well.

"I want to make it as a pro and I'm never going to give up on that. I'm going to fight all the way to make it come true. It's taken me two years to get back into the League and I'm going to do all I can to make sure things go well."

Akpo has enjoyed his time with Town - and even the mickey-taking from the squad.

"I told them what my full name was and they started making jokes, so we'll stick to Akpo, which is from the middle of my name, from now on," smiled Akpo.

"All the players, every single member of staff and all the management have made me feel very welcome, my brother has supported me all the way through and I'm going to give it my best shot.

"There is obviously a big difference between this level and semi-pro and I've been doing extra training to improve my fitness and a lot of work on my finishing.

"Obviously I'm looking forward to starting in the first team and scoring in the first team, but not just one game or one goal - lots of them.

"I'm fitter now, I'm determined to keep on playing as well as I can and I'm really excited to be here.

"I was living in London before and I've recently been staying with Efe, but hopefully I can get a longer deal here, move to Huddersfield and settle down.

"I've settled in well at the club, the atmosphere is excellent and everyone has been great.

"To have already played in the first team is fantastic and, hopefully, I'll be able to play alongside Efe more often.

"My family and my brother have been behind me all the way and I want to do well."

Akpo was again expected to be on the bench for today's home game against Barnsley after scoring midweek for the Reserves at Grimsby.