Kingson proving he is no waste of space

MOGWASE, South Africa — Former Birmingham City co-owner David Sullivan must be regretting the tongue-lashing he once gave Richard Kingson, Ghana's star goalkeeper at the World Cup.

When Kingson's one appearance for Birmingham was marred by a major howler in a loss to Portsmouth during the 2008/09 season when the Midlanders were relegated from the Premier League, Sullivan said the 'keeper was 'a complete waste of space'.

"I have a good reputation at home. All the Ghanaians are really angry at his remarks," said Kingson.

The much-travelled 32-year-old may have endured a troubled club career, but he has proved time and time again that he is a player for the big occasion by twice being named best goalkeeper at the Africa Cup of Nations.

He was also impressive at Ghana's World Cup debut four years ago.

Before arriving in England, Kingson had an eventful nine-year spell in Turkey, where he played for no less than six clubs.

He became a Turkish national, took the name of Faruk Gursoy and then failed a drugs test which resulted in a six-month suspension.

One man who kept faith with him was Steve Bruce, who brought him first to Birmingham and then took him to Wigan when the former Manchester United defender took over the management hotseat.

However, he played just four times in his first season when the injury-prone Chris Kirkland was sidelined and didn't feature at all in the following campaign.

Last season, Kingson was selected just once as he slipped down to become third choice.

Kingson, who became a devout Christian following his ban for the drugs offence, and leads Ghanaian prayers prior to matches, admits that a lack of match time has been frustrating in terms of keeping fit.

"I work hard in training. But it's true that it is a little difficult," he said. "Even though the Africa Cup of Nations has helped me a lot to keep in trim and my reflexes alert."

Despite helping Ghana to the World Cup quarter-finals, where they face Uruguay on Friday, the 32-year-old has already been released by Wigan and is searching for a new club.

His outstanding performance in the 2-1 last 16 victory over the United States would have done his chances no harm at all.

However, he refuses to be drawn on whether he has attracted offers preferring to focus on helping Ghana become the first African side to reach the last four of the World Cup.

"I don't want to think about that (his future) for the moment," he said.