Kayserispor midfielder Bernard Mensah has thrown his support behind Asamoah Gyan to silence his critics ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone.
Gyan has been included in the Ghana's 23-man squad for the match against their West African counterparts despite his lack of game time at club level.
The 32-year-old inclusion has drawn criticism from a section of football pundits but Bernard Mensah has jumped to the defence of his club teammate.
"It is good he is returning, even if he is not playing regularly at club level," Mensah told KweséESPN of his Kayserispor teammate.
"He has too much experience, is too good in front of goal, and has so much to still offer. We saw in the last game against Kenya how many chances we created and couldn't take. Gyan will give us a good option going forward."
Mensah has played ahead of Gyan at club level this season, but said the Ghana captain's quality is never in doubt.
"The coach has to make his decisions, but everyone at the club knows Gyan is still a player you can rely on. I train with him every day and I know he has not lost the quality we need at the moment, which is scoring goals.
"He still applies himself greatly at training. I have seen him put in extra work at home, and he is a great influence around the club. He also cares deeply about Ghana, so he will arrive and give his best."
The former Sunderland and Rennes hitman will be looking to add to his record goal 51 goals in 106 caps for Ghana in the double header against Sierra Leone.
Meanwhile, Mensah has also been added to the squad after a three-year absence.