Black Stars Deputy captain, John Mensah will have to battle for a place in the team when invited for subsequent matches.

The 28-year old has been plagued by consistent hamstrings since featuring for the Stars in a 2010 World Cup/African Cup of Nations qualifier against Lesotho last October, and Stars coach Milovan Rajevac maintains he will have to fight his way through.

Coach Milovan told GNA Sports that Mensah's place in the team is not automatic but dependent on his output at training. "He has not played for sometime as he's been in and out. I will therefore have to observe his current form before making a final decision.

"I have not seen him for sometime and need to observe him critically."

In the Olympique Lyon defender's absence, South Africa-based Jonathan Mensah have served a seemingly perfect replacement through his partnership with Eric Addo.

Milovan was however specific that Mensah still remains a key figure in his plans for the 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with his vast knowledge and experience.

Mensah has not played at his favourite central defence role at the Stade Gerland-outfit, but Milovan remains coy on a similar fate in the Black Stars.

"I have no intentions of trying him for other positions in the Black Stars. His place in the Black Stars will remain in central defence."

The well-built defender nicknamed "Rock of Gibralter" is expected to be part of the squad for the Mali and Sudan clashes next month. 20 May 09