By Patrick Akoto
Ghana legend Rev Osei Kofi wants Emmanuel Clottey to lead the Black Stars line in Wednesday's international friendly against China.
Clottey is among two local players that have been called up by head coach Kwesi Appiah for the friendly against the Asian giants.
The 24-year-old has become an attractive goal scoring brand on the continent after showcasing amazing prowess in this year's Caf Champions League.
The Berekum Chelsea red-hot has warmed the bench of the Black Stars for sometime, Ã but after scoring 12 goals in 8 matches in Africa's elite inter club competition, Ã there are many who argue it may be time to start him despite the return of leading marksman Asamoah Gyan.
The former Asante Kotoko great believes it is time for coach Appiah to put confidence in the striker by handing him a starting role on Wednesday.
ââ¬ÅIf you look at his performace for his club side, I must say that he is doing very well and deserve to be encouraged,â⬠Rev Kofi said
ââ¬ÅPlaying for a club and the national team are two different things and also come with it own variations,ââ¬
ââ¬ÅI know players who have performed à tremendously well for their clubs but struggle anytime they wear their national jerseys,ââ¬
ââ¬ÅBut nevertheless we should give him a try. It is a friendly and so he should be allowed to start for us to see him. Let à him confirm to us what he can really do,ââ¬
ââ¬ÅThat is the only way by which we can build the capacity of our local players.ââ¬
Caoch Kwesi Appiah is yet to determine his starting line-up against the Chinese but there is a growing sense of belief in the West African country that the ex- Ghana defender is leaning towards picking Clottey ahead of Richmond Boakye Yiadom and Abdul Majeed Waris.