Appiah explains Kazan talks

Ghana captain Stephen Appiah says his firm desire to return to club action before the start of next month's World Cup qualifiers has forced him to consider Russian champions Rubin Kazan.

The 28-year-old was being observed by Tottenham but after four weeks of staying with the English side no decision was made.

Kazan, who will play in next season's Uefa Champions League, and several other clubs were keen on signing the midfielder while Spurs delayed with a decision.

With next month's World Cup qualifiers fast approaching, the Black Stars skipper says it is time to consider the other clubs too.

"It is important that I get back to playing actively before the start of the World Cup qualifiers so I need regular action," Appiah said.

"There are other clubs too who are keen and that goes with my desire to play competitively.

"The prospect of playing in the Uefa Champions League next season is very attractive to any player so I had to listen to Kazan.

"The fact that Kazan won the league ahead of two big clubs Lokomotiv and Dynamo shows that they will take Europe by storm and I am excited."

Appiah is currently in talks with Kazan who upset the Lokomtiv Moscow and Dynamo Moscow duopoly to win Russia's top flight league.

Kazan are seeking to boost their squad with world-class players before they start their Champions League campaign next season and they see Appiah as the right calibre of player they need to marshal their midfield.

Appiah's likely return to club action will be a major boost for the Black Stars as his sharpness will be needed if Ghana are to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

The Russian champions will also offer Appiah the right platform to re-launch his career after recovering from a knee injury.