Sports News of Monday, 7 April 2014

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

I will consider John Mensah if ... - Appiah

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah says he will invite John Mensah to the Black Stars squad for June’s World Cup if the defender proves his match fitness.

According to local media reports, Appiah said his doors are open to former national team captain Mensah who is seeking to revive his career.

Mensah recently signed for Slovakian club Nitra in a bid to get some games time before the World Cup squad is name for the tournament to be held in Brazil in June.

“John Mensah will be invited to the Black Stars if he plays actively for his club and he proves to be in top form,” the manager of the national team was quoted to have said in the Daily Guide newspaper.

“If he shows his old form then, there is no way that I won’t invite John to be part of the Black Stars,” he stressed.

Mensah is regarded as one of Ghana’s finest defenders but a combination of injuries and back problems have conspired to rob him of playing time.

His move to Nitra has helped him to start playing competitively but recently he was substituted after just 11 minutes of action which sparked new concerns over his fitness.

If he is fit he will be relied upon to give the Black Stars the needed stability at the heart of the defence.