From Abdulai M. Gariba, GNA Special Correspondent, Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg, June 25, GNA - Black Stars defender Lee Addy is counting the benefits of his appearance at the Angola 2010 Orange Africa Cup of Nations for further success at the World Cup.

Addy, 19, told GNA Sports in Johannesburg that participation at the continent's biggest football event has moulded him into a mature player.

"The experience at the Africa Cup of Nations has helped me a lot. It was a great experience for me as a young player."

The twice best defender on the local scene said featuring at the biggest stage in African football had played a vital role in his performance at the World Cup.

Addy delivered an average output partnering Jonathan Mensah at the heart of the Black Stars defence in the absence of regulars John Mensah and Isaac Vorsah during the group phase clash with Australia, and has described the feeling as 'great.'

"It was a great moment for me and I'm happy with my output. It was my first game at the World Cup and I'm looking forward to build on that." The Berekum Chelsea rear-guard, who is being haunted by several European clubs, says he is bidding his time in the Black Stars team. "Everything depends on the coach. He has the final say and I'm ready to deliver whenever I am called upon."

The central defender added that the team was poised for a place at the quarters and will go 'for the kill' in their round of 16 clash against the USA next Saturday in Rustenburg.

"We are determined to put smiles on the faces of Ghanaians and we are just working in that direction. We need the support of all to achieve our target."