Ghana deputy coach rejects Essien dismissal calls

Published on: 10 March 2011

Ghana deputy coach Akwasi Appiah says talks that Michael Essien should be axed from the Black Stars for his protracted absence are misplaced.

Essien has not played for Ghana since his second half appearance against Cote d'Ivoire in a group phase clash at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.

The Chelsea star has been evasive on his return which sparked talks by ex-Ghana FA boss Nyaho Tamakloe and others that Essien must be dismissed from the team.

But Appiah, who is the former captain of the Black Stars, insists the midfielder is a patriot.

Appiah told GNA Sports "Essien is a great player which every coach or country will love to have in a team.

"This is one person who has served the country very well and if he has asked for time off, it is unfair to accuse him.

"The least we can do for him is to allow him the space until such a time that he feels psychologically and mentally strong to come back."

The soft spoken Coach told GNA Sports it was time to close the chapter on whether or not the ace midfielder must be welcome back to the Black Stars in his own time.

"This is not the time to rush into conclusion. It is important to give him the time he needs so that when he comes back he can give his very best."

The Chelsea ace sought time off international duties after picking up an injury while training with the Stars in Angola.

Essien who missed the South Africa 2010 World Cup due to the injury has remained evasive over a return date despite being a regular for the Blues.

It was widely anticipated that the Wembley meeting on March 29 could tempt Essien back to the Black Stars, but the player last month said he was not ready for a return.

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