Soccer News of Friday, 21 September 2012

Source: Ghanasoccernet

John Pantsil wants Black Stars return

Ghana defender John Pantsil insists he has enough quality in him to return to the international level.

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has frozen the 30-year from his plans since he took charge of the team in April due to his lack of first team opportunities at English Championship side Leceister City.

But the former West Ham man has seen his fortunes transformed tremendously since he joined Hapoel Tel Aviv – where he has featured prominently for the Israeli giants.

He played full throttle for Hapoel in their 3-0 Uefa Europa League defeat at home to Athletico Madrid on Thursday night and says he will not sleep over returning to the team if he is called-up

“I am a Ghanaian an so anytime they call me, I will come and play. If they call me today I will come,” Pantsil told Accra-based Happy FM

“Some of us have the experience and I thank God I’m now playing regulary which is good for me.

“We have been able to write our name on the plate and so when I’m called, I won’t turn my back on my country.”

Many have been pushing for the return of the experienced right back into the team ahead of the crucial return leg of the 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Malawi next month.

He has two world cups under his belt and is the most second capped player after goalkeeper Richard Kingson with an incredible 85 senior appearances.

GHANAsoccernet.com understands coach Appiah is seriously pondering over the possibility of re-calling him into his team.