DESPITE his efforts at getting his real name John Paintsil known to the Fulham faithful and not as John Pantsil, the man with two identities currently is on top of his game with impressive back to back displays for “The Cottagers” in the English Premier League. When they beat Manchester United last week at Craven Cottage, Paintsil's performances drew applause from United's gaffer, Sir Alex Ferguson after the former Berekum Arsenals defender put the shackles on the World Footballer of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo. In this interview granted exclusively to 90 Minutes Newspaper, John Paintsil talks about football and other matters.

Q: You were an attacking midfielder when you began your career in Ghana with Berekum Arsenals, but now you find yourself occupying the full back position. How did this change of position affect your career? JP: I guess that I have really responded well to the change of position and it all begun with Coach E.K Afranie. I used to play as an attacking midfielder and at certain times as a supporting striker but when I was slotted into that position (right-back), I did amaze myself with my excellent performances. Since then, I have been playing the right full back position regularly.

Q: You got your 50th cap for Ghana against Benin. What ran through your mind? I am happy to have earned my 50th cap for the nation but the task ahead was to get the vital points at stake in order to boost our chances of qualifying for South Africa 2010. I believe it's worth celebrating knowing very well that our chances to the World Cup are brighter.

Q: With a large number of African players like yourself making waves on the European scene, do you think certain perceptions about African players are beginning to change? I believe that African players abroad have really done a lot to raise the image of the African game. Now there are more African players plying their trade in all the major leagues in the world with the best teams. Playing with the best enables us to learn from the top stars. It therefore came as no surprise when during the last Nations Cup in Ghana, the entire world focused their attention on the African continent.

Q: How excited were you when West Ham United wanted to sign you from Hapoel Tel Aviv? I can't express the kind of joy that I experienced knowing of West Ham's interest in signing me. I was overjoyed and thanked the Almighty God for making such a dream come true. I remember during the World Cup finals in Germany, I prayed and asked Him to help me make a move from Israel since I had played there for three seasons. To have gotten the chance to play in England is one of my dreams come true.

Q: And what were the most important lessons you learnt in Israel? The Israeli league is very competitive. Determination and self belief is key to making it a success in Israel. I must be honest with you, anyone who is able to adapt to the physical and technical challenges of the Israeli league is capable of playing in the major European leagues because self discipline has been the hallmark amongst the players in Israel.

Q: What was the most difficult moment in your career as a professional footballer? That was with Maccabi Tel Aviv when I played my first Champions League game for my team. I remember prior to our game against Bayern Munich, people kept asking who we were since we were an unknown quantity in the Champions League terrain. In the first leg at home, we lost 0-1 to the Germans through a spot kick which I was the culprit. In the return league, we were thrashed 5-0 and that spelt the doom for me which eventually made me part ways with Maccabi.

Q: What do you make of Ghana's World Cup qualifying group? Can you feel the pressure? There is pressure to qualify in order to surpass the achievement of Germany 2006. The road to South Africa will not be easy I believe that with the coaches and the effort of my colleagues, we are poised to be in South African 2010.

Q: So much was asked from the Ghanaian media when coach Milovan took charge from Claude LeRoy. What do you think he has brought to the Ghanaian game? Well, in the first place I believe Claude LeRoy and Milovan are different coaches with respect to the tactics that the team plays. LeRoy might opt for system A whilst Milovan might also favour system B. At the end of the game, it is we the players who makes these approaches to football work. The coach has really done well so far and I believe with the needed support from us, he would excel.

Q: From the little you've seen, is Milo the man to take Ghana to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa? Why not? He understands the game and though he struggles sometimes with the language, he does his possible best to make his intentions clear to us, something which we the players admire him for.

Q: There is a lot of competition for places in the national team. How do you cope with the idea of excelling in order to retain your position in the current Black Stars setup? To be selected to play for a country with a population of around 23 million is not anything that one can take for granted. With players making way for others every time, the least I can do is train hard and excel whenever I'm called upon. The pride that we carry whenever we wear the national colours is something that one cannot ignore.

Q: What is the difference between West Ham and Fulham because you seem to be on fire this season? (Laughs) Well, at West Ham after I had enjoyed my debut, I got injured against Liverpool. On my return, the then coach (Alan Pardew) had been sacked and was replaced by Alan Curbishley. Curbs had brought in new players and so had to justify those signings thus relegating me to the bench. With Fulham, I have the support and belief from my mates and the manager as well which has made me settled.

Q: Fulham lies 9th on the Barclays Premier League table. With a few matches to go, can you secure an European berth for next season? Yeah! That is the belief the coach has instilled in us. To play in Europe next season is what we all at the club are yearning and fighting for. It should therefore come as no surprise to see Fulham play the big boys in Europe next season. The defeat to Manchester United should be a warning to the other clubs.

Q: Which team will Paintsil play next season? Honestly, I haven't thought about leaving Fulham despite my rich vein of form since I have a contract with Fulham. The club is happy with my performances and the more I play, the more I get the chance to work on my technical awareness. To play every week is what occupies my mind.

Q: Any word to your fans? They should keep praying for me to be amongst the best in the world. I am Paintsil now because of their support and prayers and I appreciate it very much.