... door is still open
Accra. Nov 20, GNA - Ghana's Black Stars trainer, Claude Le Roy has rebuffed theories making rounds about his supposed uncomplimentary remarks to Greece-based midfielder, Bernard Yao Kumordzi after last Friday's Beijing 2008 Olympic qualifier.

Le Roy was alleged to have told the "wiry" midfielder that he was unfit to merit a place in the senior national team after such a poor performance when the Black Meteors drew blank against their Nigerian counterparts to blur their chances of making it to the Beijing Games.

The coach explained to the GNA Sports on Tuesday that "I never did that. I have respect for every player and won't do such a thing because I could imagine how the players felt after the game.

"I told him I was disappointed with his output on the day but I also told him that the door is still open to him."

The Panionios midfielder laboured throughout the game and was subsequently substituted in the second half.

Le Roy said his visit to the changing room after the game was to encourage the players to stay strong and focused and to confirm the invitation of some members of the Olympic team into the senior side.

He explained that the absence of the lanky midfielder from the Zenith Four Nation Tournament was to afford him the opportunity to access Etoile du Sahel's midfielder Moussa Narry and Norway-based Anthony Annan.

"I already have Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien and Laryea Kingston for the same role and I didn't want to have a lot of players for the same position."

Le Roy confirmed his desire to continue to monitor the player at his club and invite him when necessary.

The French trainer also advised the media to seek clarification on various aspects of the sport instead of living on speculations and rumors.