After some unfortunate setbacks in his career, there is no doubt that Chiedozie Ogbene is fulfilling his undoubted potential.
Having moved to English football at the age of 20 after a successful stint in the League of Ireland, the winger would struggle for playing time at Brentford. He would soon move to Rotherham United, and having initially starred at the club, he would soon suffer a serious injury that stalled his progress.
Ogbene would spend six months on the sidelines, with his return coinciding with an Ireland debut. Since then, he hasn't looked back.
After leading Rotherham to promotion from League One last season, he has taken like a duck to water in the Championship. He has already scored five goals in the current campaign.
Chiedozie Ogbene open in transfer ambitions
With only 12 months remaining on his contract, Chiedozie Ogbene was strongly linked with a transfer away from his current club last summer. Swansea City were said to be keen on his services, although a deal did not materialise.
Should his current run of form continue, there is sure to be no shortage of interest in the 25-year old in January. It is thought that Rotherham would be open to moving him on at that point in order to recoup a fee.
Chiedozie Ogbene during a Republic of Ireland press conference at the FAI Headquarters in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Speaking to the media ahead of this weekend's UEFA Nations League game against Scotland, Ogbene hinted that his time at his current club was coming to an end as he aimed for the Premier League, something he had made clear to his manager despite not edging for the exit door in August.
I didn’t come close at all to leaving last month.
The manager sat me down and said he wanted to keep me. I was happy to be getting the opportunity to play football every week.
If something came in that I, my family and the club were happy with, we'd have to consider it but nothing came.
Rotherham haven't really come to me about a new deal. I have told them I want to push for the next step and they know my desire is to push on...
When I come into the Ireland camp, seeing Premier League players, I try to learn from them because that's the destination I want to be in
You see players come and go. I try to work twice as hard to get a jersey because nobody is guaranteed positions. You have to fight every day of your life.
Ogbene is sure to play a sizeable role for Ireland in the upcoming games against Scotland and Armenia, having arguably been the team's most consistent player over the last 12 months or so.
Should he continue that run of form, his goal of reaching the Premier League may not be all that far away.
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