Former assistant coach of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, Ibrahim Tanko has refuted reports claiming he is advocating for the Black Stars captaincy to be given to Andre Ayew, insisting he only made reference to the 2017 Afcon.

There have been growing reports in the media that the captaincy of the Black Stars must be given to Andre since Gyan has been battling injuries of late despite both players debunking those reports.

But according to the former Black Stars forward, he only advised that since Dede is the deputy captain of the Black Stars, it should not be a problem for the Ghana FA and head coach Avram Grant to choose a captain should Gyan fail to appear in Gabon next year.

Tanko acknowledged the influence of the Shanghai SIPG striker in the Black Stars adding his relationship with Andre Ayew is excellent.

Speaking to Ghanasoccernet.com, Ibrahim Tanko said: "I never said Dede should be given the captain. I only made reference to the 2017 Afcon."

"I was asked about the choice of captain should Gyan fail to appear at the 2017 Afcon and I said Dede is the next option since he is the deputy.

"I said if Gyan's persistent injuries are unable to get him to play for Ghana in Gabon next year, then he should remain as the general captain while Andre takes over the team for the Afcon," he added.

The former Dortmund striker, however, cautioned the media to desist from linking him to controversial and negative reports.

"I say what I think. Just report what I say and not what I have not said. That is bad and people must stop that.'