Former Ghana international Joe Addo has praised the qualities of Stephen Appiah, claiming he is one of the finest players the country has ever produced.

“I think Stephen Appiah is one of the finest players that we’ve ever produced," Addo told Joy Sports.

"Somebody who could do anything. He can play as a defensive player, he can play as an offensive midfielder, he can pass and he can score.

“You don’t get many players like that, few players have some of his attributes and the only player who was close to him was Abedi.

"Abedi was a little bit ahead of Stephen. But Stephen is one of the finest Ghana has ever produced."

Appiah is regarded highly in the West African country after leading the Black Stars to secure a first-ever World Cup qualification in 2006, the team going on to reach the Round of 16 on their debut appearance.

At club level, he helped Parma win the Coppa Italia in 2002, Juventus lift the Italian Cup in 2003 and Fenerbahce win the Turkish League and Super Cup in 2007.