It's time to win for Ghana - Atsu

Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu is focused on helping Ghana to victory in their 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Egypt on Sunday.

The Black Stars are set to face the Pharaohs at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria in their second group game of the African zone qualifiers.

Atsu goes into Sunday's game in high spirits after finding the target in his club's 2-1 win over Cardiff City in the English Championship on Saturday.

“Right now I am focused on the national team and then I will think more about [our game against] Leeds [after the international break],” Atsu told the Chronicle.

“It’s always hard, but I love those games.

“You always have to be prepared for matches like this and give your best.

“It does not matter if the opponents score, the most important thing is three points and making our fans happy - that’s what we want.

“To win like this and go away for international duty is important because we have a winning mentality. Now I try to win for Ghana.”

The Ada-Foah-born remains grateful to teammate Aleksandar Mitrovic for Saturday's strike.

“I was very pleased to see Mitro pass the ball to me then,” Atsu said.

“Some strikers would like to take that chance themselves, but he was unselfish and passed it to me.

“I said thank you. Mitro is a good finisher and probably could have scored if he’d shot but he picked me out. I am grateful.

“All games in the Championship are difficult. We know that now so we just need to keep working hard."

Atsu joined Newcastle in August on a season-long loan from Chelsea, and has two goals in nine league appearances so far.