Coach George Lamptey affected by Ashia's departure

Liberty Professionals coach George Lamptey admits the departure of 'intelligent' midfielder Kennedy Ashia is a hammer blow to his team this season.

Ashia ended his three-year stay with the Ghanaian side after joining Sudanese outfit Al Hilal last month.

The exit of the 20-year-old has sparked concerns at the club ahead of the start of the new season.

And coach George Lamptey has admitted the departure of his captain could prove disastrous.

"It's a big blow for us to put it mildly. He was the most important player in my team," he told Accra-based Kasapa FM

"He was the most intelligent player and so his departure is a great source of concern to me.

"I built my team around him and so we need to change our system.

"Ashia can create 20 chances and score at least two of them. He provides most assists and so I'm worried."

Liberty will have to plan life without their former talisman with pocket-size wideman Latif Blessing expected to fill the void.