.. Le Roy knows his first 18
Accra, Oct. 29, GNA - Claude Le Roy, Coach of Ghana's Black Stars has only five places left to make up for his 23-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations next January.

The Frenchman is certain about his first 18 and intends to channel his focus on searching for the additional five to make up the mandated 23 for the biennial party with the January 20 commencement date rolling closer.

He told GNA Sports "It will be stupid if I didn't have an idea about a bulk of my team at this moment.

"I know who the first 18 are and my vision is to get the five as soon as possible to enable us to begin full scale preparations." The Trainer told GNA Sports that a fair representation of experienced and young players with regard to selection have been taken into consideration ahead of the three-week tourney, which his employers have mandated him to win.

"I have plans of including some young players into the team for the sake of the maturity and exposure they need beyond Ghana 2008. "One cannot win a major competition with young players but one can always win if they are part of the team.

"What is always required is a good balance - experience, hunger to win and the maturity to keep going on big stage like the Nations Cup." Le Roy told GNA Sports that it will be ensured that the team make great sacrifices aimed at winning the trophy on home soil to equal Egypt's fifth record.

"There will be no compromise with regards to making sacrifices to become champions on February 10.

"We will ensure that the boys do not feel caged but they must also appreciate that without sacrifices, one cannot triumph and be successful."

Coach Le Roy envisages no challenge in assembling his team for the planned two weeks camping before the Stars tournament opener with Guinea on Sunday, January 20, in Accra.