Ex-Ghana international Joe Addo does not expect John Mensah to walk straight into the Black Stars ahead of the 2014 World Cup.
Mensah is being considered for a call-up into the team despite concerns over his fitness.
Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has insisted he will invite the Nitra FC new recruit if he proves his match fitness.
The former Lyon man is highly regarded as the country’s finest defender in the last decade and touted as the ideal player to bring some stability at the heart of defense.
However, there are still concerns over his full fitness after playing just 11 minutes in his last game for Slovakian side Nitra FC with just two months before the start of the global showpiece.
Joe Addo, who has been a key admirer of the former Sunderland defender, wants him to justify his inclusion in the team.
“Just because his name is John Mensah doesn’t warrant him a Black Stars call-up. He has to work for it,†Addo told Radio XYZ
“He has to really perform well at his club and stay fit. And if the Coach sees it, he will give him a chance.
“I have been a key admirer of Mensah because I think he has been the most intelligent of our defenders over the last decade.
“We have struggled for stability at the back since he got injured and so if he is fit, I don’t see why he cannot be there.
“But like I said, he has to work for it.â€
Mensah has made 79 appearances for Ghana since 2001, scoring 3 goals.