Ghana defender John Paintsil played in a friendly match for English league championship side Millwall in their 2-0 victory at League One side Crawley Town on Saturday in a move to keep his fitness.

Coach Steve Lomas believes the former Fulham star is in the right shape.

Despite just being given the opportunity to train with Millwall, he was given the chance to impress in the friendly and the Ghanaian guardsman came on as a second-half substitute as they cruised to victory.

“It’s about getting fitness in the first time back on the pitch in a competitive game,” Lomas said after the game.

“Everybody came through it and I’m delighted. Shorey and Paintsil came in strongly in the next line up and freshened things up. John's fitness was amazing as he was doing fine up and down the lines as well as Nicky.”

Paintsil, 32, was at Hapoel Tel Aviv last season but is desperate to return to English football.

He spent six productive years in English football between 2006 and 2012 at West Ham United, Fulham and Leicester City and has made no secret of his desire to return.