AFTER the Black Stars failed in their bid to “host and win” the Ghana 2008 tournament as a result of the strikers firing blanks and failing to convert their chances, Ghana coach Claude LeRoy has decided to give 17 year old Ghanaian born Manchester United starlet, Danny Welbeck a shot at solving our perennial goal scoring problems.

Speaking to Kwaku Sakyi Addo on his “Frontpage” programme last Friday, the Frenchman said “I was told about this Manchester United boy, Danny Welbeck about two days ago and we might have to check him out and find out if he can play for us” Danny Welbeck is a highly talented, skilful player who can play out wide or up front and has been likened by Sir Alex Ferguson to former Arsenal forward Nwankwo Kanu for his manner of play. Alex Ferguson even considered him for selection in Manchester United's match against Manchester City after Wayne Rooney was suspended: "I may bring in the boy Welbeck, possibly from the start. The boy has a chance of making it. We think he has that temperament.” Fergie said. “He's got a smooth and languid style,” says Paul McGuinness, his coach at Under-18 level. “But don't let that fool you, because his style sometimes disguises the fact that he is a really hard worker.

Danny is a very talented and skilful player with good all-round technique. He's strong, quick, good defensively as well as going forward, and he's a real leader, too. He is a good personality to have around the dressing room.” Welbeck played a prominent role in Manchester United's Under-18s' run to the FA Youth Cup final in 2006/07 when he was a schoolboy. He's also represented England at youth level by being called into the national team's Under-17s squad.

Last Thursday Welbeck scored a consolation goal as Man. United Reserves' long unbeaten run came to an end against Blackburn Rovers. Welbeck's late strike was nothing more than a consolation after United were incredibly denied by the woodwork on four occasions. Welbeck was a whisker away from giving United the lead after four minutes, but dragged his improvised shot wide after a neat exchange with strike partner Chris Eagles.