Real Madrid midfielder Michael Essien has sent a happy birthday message to compatriot Andre Ayew who turned 23 on today (Monday).

Essien posted on his official Twitter page: “@AyewAndre happy bdae. enjoy”

Ayew was in action for Olympique Marseille on Saturday and missed a penalty in what could have been an advance birthday present for himself.

The winger has been named in Ghana’s preliminary 26-man for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations