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Soccer News of Sunday, 20 April 2014

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

2014 WC: Don't send injured players to Brazil- Tachie-Mensah advises

Ex-Ghana international, Alex Tachie Mensah, has advised coach Kwesi Appiah to select only fit players for the World Cup if he is to have a successful campaign.

The 37-year-old who was a member of the 2006 World Cup squad, has urged the technical team to be wary of players who will hide injuries in an attempt to make the world cup squad.

Key players like John Mensah, Micheal Essien, Rabiu Mohammed, Isaac Vorsah, John Boye just to mention a few have all battled various degrees of injuries in recent times.

With the provisional squad expected to be made public by the 13th of next month, the former FC St. Gallen striker says selected players must pass a rigorous fitness test.

“The World Cup is a special experience and it is only lucky people that get to play in it,” Mensah told GHANASoccernet.com

“I was fortunate enough to be part of the maiden team and am sure the feeling amongst the lads is still as it was at our time.

“But that’s the risky thing, because it’s a career defining moment; players tend to hide little knocks to make the team and it goes to the disadvantage of the team.”

Tachie-Mensah is confident if things are done properly, the Black Stars can surmount the challenge in Group G against former winners Germany, Portugal and USA.

“The team has experience and great players who are hungry to deliver for Ghana and that could be the key,” he added.

“There is always that point of uncertainty, but Ghana can do well if we are mentally prepared.”