By Patrick Akoto
Ghana defender John Paintsil expects soccer fans to give Michael Essien a rousing welcome when the Black Stars play Congo in an African Nations Cup qualifier on home soil next month.
Essien will play in front of a partisan crowd at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi for the first time in over two years after he returned to international duties following a year self imposed exile.
There have been mixed reactions to his comeback but the Fulham right-back says fans should give him a warm reception.
''We are happy that he has come back to the national team and fans should support him and let him feel at home when we play in Kumasi,'' Pantsil told Citi Sports.
''I will advise fans to take it easy because these things can happen as footballers we understand things can go wrong and therefore should welcome him with a good heart because his comeback will lift the morale of the team.''