Asante Kotoko caretaker manager Michael Osei has lauded the commitment level of centre-back Ahmed Adams after he accepted to cancel his trip to Japan with Ghana.

The 26-year-old was named in the local Black Stars squad that will play Japan U23 side in an international friendly on May 11 in Japan but Kotoko requested for his services, after being left with only one centre-back ahead of the Ghana Premier League matchday 11 fixture against Ebusua Dwarfs due to injuries and suspensions.

“I have to commend Adams. He’s done so well. We wanted him to stay back and return to our fold," Osei said.

“We had a situation at hand, there have been suspensions and injuries in the squad.

“Evans Quao has been suspended, Edwin Tuffour is also suspended and Osei Agyeman is yet to fully recover from his injury. So in central defence, Kotoko were left with only Ohene Brenya, that’s why we called on coach Maxwell Konadu to release Adams. He did and Adams accepted to join us, foregoing the Japan trip and all the experiences and benefits that come with it,” he added.

Kotoko are hoping to build on their shock win over rivals Hearts of Oak in the Super Clash on Monday, to revive their dismal start to the season.