Yannick Bolasie will not play at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations

Ghana have been boosted by news that 2012 Africa Cup of Nations group opponents DR Congo are unlikely to grab France-born winger Yannick Bolasie for the tournament in South Africa. 

The Crystal Palace winger says he is not intending to play at next year’s African Cup of Nations despite a strong interest from the country of his parents to make him play in Africa’s flagship tournament.

The French-born winger has been in scintillating form for the Eagles since joining from Bristol City.

But his performances have caught the eye of DR Congo, who know he qualifies for them, and their coach Claude Le Roy is keen on a call-up.

Bolasie is the cousin of current international Lomana Lua Lua and the African nation are looking to call him up in time to play in South Africa.

However, whilst Bolasie is interested in representing the Leopards, it will not be at the finals of the 2013 African Cup of Nations, which would have meant he missed over a month of the Championship season.

“No he won’t be playing for DR Congo at the African Cup of Nations next year,” his agent Tony Finnigan confirmed to Sky Sports.

“He is interested and is flattered by the interest from DR Congo, but he has just moved to Palace, is enjoying his football and wants to concentrate on them for now.

“It is something he will look at, but he will not be going to South Africa – it is not the right time for him.”