Asamoah Gyan confident he can spark Ghana victory over China

Asamoah Gyan believes he can spark the Black Stars to glory as he returns for the first time to the Ghana side for a friendly against China on Wednesday.

The Al-Ain striker in July called off his international break announced in February after suffering criticism for Ghana's Africa Cup of Nations semi-final exit.

But Gyan has been included by coach Kwesi Appiah in his 18-man squad for the friendly in Xi'an and the striker who finished as the top scorer in the UAE league says he happy to be back.

“It feels great (to be back). Seeing my colleagues around, it’s normal. I left them for six months and I am back with them,” Gyan said on Tuesday in Xi'an.

“I am really, really, happy to be back with the team.

“I didn’t watch most of the games but I heard the news. I am a Ghanaian and anytime Ghana is playing, I have to just follow. Now everything is alright and I am happy to be back with the team. I am also a Ghanaian and I am here to help the nation.”

Gyan had been the target of harsh criticism but appears to have put that behind him insisting that the game is a collective sport.

“I appreciate that (pressure). It’s a teamwork, I work for the team, I make sure I do my job. Football is played by 22 people and I have played for the Black Stars since 2003 and I have done my best for the team.

“I do appreciate what people are saying. It doesn’t put pressure on me. Talking about football, we got ups and downs. If you can go through all this things then you are ready to play at anytime, in front of the crowds and everybody,” the Al-Ain striker said.

On the friendly with the Chinese team coached by former Spain manager, José Antonio Camacho, Gyan says he is expecting a competitive game.

“(We hope to give them a) Good match. We are just here to give them a good game,” the Black Stars striker said.

“Definitely, people will be expecting us to win the game. I don’t know the Chinese team very well but they are also playing at home and they want to impress their fans. It will be very interesting but let’s see what they coach adapts. But hopefully we will give them a good match.”

Kick-off time: 11:35 GMT

Source: Ghana FA