By Patrick Akoto
Ex-Ghana goalkeeper Abubakar Damba fears Stephen Adams could crumble under the weight of expectations after he was named in the countryââ¬â¢s squad to face Montenegro in a pre- World Cup international friendly next month.
The Aduana Stars custodian has been hugely rewarded after his exploits at the 2014 CHAN tournament in South Africa.
Adams must now improve his stock to convince coach Kwesi Appiah of his capabilities to gatecrash the World Cup squad.
However former Hearts goalkeepersââ¬â¢ trainer, à Abubakar Damba, who has been skeptical about ââ¬Ërushingââ¬â¢ the shot-stopper into the team, fears the burden of expectations on him could prove disastrous.
ââ¬ÅYou know from past experiences we have to be cautious in rushing these players into the team,â⬠he told Happy FM
ââ¬ÅThere have been many instances where the careers of such players have been short-lived because they made one or two mistakes and that cost them their positions.
ââ¬ÅAdams without doubt is a fine goalkeeper. He all saw his performance in South Africa but I will expect a gradual introduction into the team.
ââ¬ÅThe level of expectation on him is now very high. And this is where we must be careful.
ââ¬ÅItââ¬â¢s an opportunity that he must grab with his two hands. However I expect Kwarasey to be in post before Adams is introduced against Montenegro.
ââ¬ÅThat way he will study the game and build his confidence. We just have to wait and see how he will even respond to the crowd and all that.
ââ¬ÅFor me the weight of expectation on him and how he will be able to handle that is what I will be looking out for.ââ¬
Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah is still searching for a third choice goalkeeper after trying Daniel Agyei, Razak Brimah and the experienced Richard Kingson.
Adams was adjudged best goalkeeper in the Ghanaian top-flight four years ago when he helped his side win the Ghana Premier League.
He was named in the preliminary squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals but failed to make the final cut of 23 players picked by then coach Milovan Rajavac.