SWANSEA City may have lost Wales defender Sam Ricketts this summer, but new boy Kevin Amankwaah is hoping it is just a matter of time before they have another full-back with an international pedigree.

London-born Amankwaah qualifies to play for Ghana through his parents.

And, after spending the summer watching Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah & Co reach the second round of the World Cup, Amankwaah hopes to one day line-up alongside his sporting heroes.

"I watched all the Ghana games in the World Cup on television," said the 24-year-old. "They did really well but were let down by a shaky defence against Brazil in the end.

"I supported them all the way and went mad when they got through to the last 16, even though I knew it was all over when they drew Brazil.