Soccer News of Saturday, 4 June 2016

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

Ghana target Fosu-Mensah turns down Holland call-up

Timothy Fosu-Mensah Timothy Fosu-Mensah

Ghana target Timothy Fosu-Mensah has given the West African giants a glimmer of hope after snubbing a call-up from the Netherlands and insisting his main focus is not on international football.

The full-back, 18, was handed a debut senior call-up by Danny Blind earlier this year for friendlies with Republic of Ireland, Poland and Austria but did not honour the invitation.

Fosu-Mensah has seven Holland Under-19 caps to his name as well as representing his national at Under-17, Under-16 and Under-15 level.

The Ghana Football Association has been looking at the possibility of landing the heavily talented defender to represent country of his parents but his father has openly stated the youngster will decide on his international career.

He has explained why he failed to honour the invitation, insisting his main focus is to secure his Manchester United future but not commit his international future to the European giants.

"I am focused on United now. I was happy with the call-up for Netherlands and the coach will keep following me."

He revealed his groin problem remains part of the reasons for not turning up for the international duty.

"A groin problem was causing me too much problems."

"I told the national team coach about it and also informed the doctor. I need to rest.

"If I do too much now, I will be sidelined during pre-season. We also have a trip to China coming up with Manchester United.

Ghana could be working through the back door to convince the youngster to get to commit his international future to the Black Stars.