MICHAEL ESSIEN will have 20,000 reasons for ending his exile from the Ghana side as he watches his country face England on Tuesday night.

The World Cup quarter-finalists, who tugged at the neutrals’ heart strings in South Africa last summer, have risen to 16th in the FIFA rankings – and much of the recent amazing journey has been completed without the Chelsea midfielder. Essien has not represented his country since being injured in the African Cup of Nations in Angola almost 14 months ago. Despite playing for Chelsea he has turned his back on the international stage.

But 20,000 fervent Ghanaians at a sell-out Wembley for the friendly will remind Essien of what he is missing and assist Ghana FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi in his task of restoring the 28-year-old African icon to the side.

Essien has taken time out on his international career – a decision criticised in Ghana – to help save his body from more wear and tear.

He explained: “I had two bad knee injuries playing for Ghana and they were part of the reason for taking a mini break. I had to give my body a chance to recover and so far, so good.

“I will be there at Wembley to support the team. I am a Black Stars supporter like any other player or Ghanaian. I also expect Ghana to win.”

Meanwhile, fellow Ghana star Sulley Muntari, who is currently on loan at Sunderland from Inter Milan, is backing Harry Redknapp to succeed Fabio Capello as England boss.

Muntari was in the Portsmouth side which won the FA Cup under Redknapp. He said: “It was great working with Harry. He always made sure you were comfortable and that you were in good shape mentally and physically because he didn’t want to see his players stressed.

“I think Harry would get on easily as England manager if he was asked to take the job because everywhere he goes he does really well and has taken his club on to higher levels. He did it at Portsmouth and he has done the same at Tottenham.