Black Stars coach Goran Stevanovic is pleased to have Michael Essien in his squad after the midfielder returned to national team duties on Monday.

Essien is in contention of playing his first game for Ghana on Friday when the Black Stars play Congo in a 2012 Nations Cup qualifier following his long spell out of the team since the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations group game against Ivory Coast.

The midfielder joined his teammates for training on Monday.

Stevanovic, who spoke to Essien over his possible return to the team upon taking the Ghana job in January 2011 says, the player has kept his word.

"When I took this job I made his return a priority and he promised he will return in June which is what he has done.

"He is a great player and a great man and we are happy to have him back," Stevanovic says.

Essien opted to take some time off international football after missing close to a year's action following an injury at the 2010 Nations Cup.