Michael Essien admitted last night that losing players for the African Cup of Nations will be a "massive blow" for Chelsea, but the midfielder insisted he will not put club before country.

Chelsea could lose up to five players during the tournament in the New Year, threatening their title challenge.

Essien accepts it could cause conflict but is eager to play in the event on home soil in Ghana.

"I am aware of the tension it causes, but I am happy and honoured to play in the tournament for Ghana," he said, after captaining his country in last night's draw with Senegal at Millwall's New Den.

Ghana took the lead when Udinese striker Asamoah Gyan ran on to Portsmouth midfielder Sulley Muntari's flick and slotted past Senegal keeper Tony Sylva in the 44th minute.

But unsettled Bolton forward El-Hadji Diouf fired the equaliser in the 73rd minute.

Diouf, who claims he wants a move from the Reebok to a club more likely to challenge for a Champions League place, was performing in front of a number of Premier League managers and scouts, including West Ham's Alan Curbishley, Portsmouth's Harry Redknapp and Birmingham City's Steve Bruce.

Meanwhile Blackstars coach,Claude Le Roy was happy with his captains perfomance.

Speaking to allghanasoccer.com, He said, "Michael is a not a normal player, he is from another planet. "I was telling him there is no player of his level anywhere in the world.

"It is unbelievable. He played on Sunday, came on Monday for training, he didn't ask me for a rest but I took him off before the end. I hope (Chelsea manager) Jose Mourinho is happy that I didn't play him for 90 minutes.

"With Michael in the team anything is possible."

Essien may be essential to Ghana but he was a reluctant captain as he stood in for the injured Stephen Appiah.

"When I called him from Ghana a few days ago he said 'are you sure coach?' Then he said 'OK, for one game, then when they come back I will let them do it'. But he was a fantastic captain," Le Roy added.