Paintsil gets full game in Hapoel’s Europa League win

John Paintsil proved his fitness by lasting the full duration in Hapoel Tel Aviv’s 3-1 away win over Dudelange in the Uefa Europa League on Thursday night.

The Ghana international returned to Hapoel this summer six years after leaving the Israeli league to pursue an adventurous career in England.

Paintsil, 31, featured for West Ham, Fulham and Leicester City during his time in English football.

His club career however took a downward turn after his contract expired with Fulham – a situation which had a knock-on effect on his international career with the Black Stars.

The right-back was dropped for the first time in many years from the Ghana national team for the opening 2014 World Cup qualifiers due to his club inactivity.

He was again rightfully overlooked for the international friendly game with China in preparation for the ultimate 2013 Nations Cup qualifier against Malawi next month.

And just when many thought it might be all over for the ex Berekum Arsenals and Liberty Professionals player, Paintsil goes on to put in a solid display against the side from Luxenbourg in the Europa League.

His return to first team action puts him back in contention for a place in the Black Stars for upcoming assignments.

Paintsil however needs to continue getting regular games to ensure his dream to last longer with the national team remains intact.

Hapoel Tel Aviv will travel this weekend to face Hapoel Ramat Gan in the Israeli League where Paintsil will be hoping to start again from the onset.