The Ghana FA technical director Francis Oti Akenteng believes it is premature to lash out at Black Stars coach Avram Grant for neglecting locally-based players for the national team.

The former Chelsea boss has been criticised by some sports pundits and administrators including Premier League Board chairman Welbeck Abrah Appiah for inviting only one home-based player - goalkeeper Fatau Dauda - for the friendly matches against Senegal and Mali in France.

The Israeli trainer has been to the local league centres twice to scout local talents since taking over the Black Stars job last December.

Akenteng feels Grant needs more time to pick top quality home-based players for the Black Stars.

“I think he has had the opportunity to witness only two local league matches. I don’t think it is even enough. Let us give him the opportunity and the time and see what he can do. For now it is too early,” Akenteng told Starr Sports.