Appiah urged not to bow to Frimpong pressure

Ex-Ghana international Nii Odartey Lamptey says Emmanuel Frimpong does not deserve a place in the Black Stars final squad for next year’s African Cup of Nations despite switching nationality.

The 20-year-old was officially cleared to play for the West African giants after world governing body, FIFA gave the approval for the switch early this week.


The Arsenal star, on loan at Charlton Athletic is now in line to play for the Black Stars at the continental showpiece.


Opinions are sharply divided on whether the ex-England Under-17 player should be considered for a call-up into the team ahead of next year’s tournament.


But the ex- Ghana star insists it will be too premature to include him in the final squad.


“I think the time is a bit short and so I don’t think it will wise and prudent to take him there,” Lamptey told radio XYZ

“If I was in the shoes of Kwesi Appiah, I don’t think I will take him along and I don’t think anyone should be pressure him to take him.


“Because he has not tried him in a match and so may not know what he can do to help the team.


“I have watched him a couple of times at Arsenal and I believe he has some qualities that Ghana will benefit from but it’s up to Kwesi Appiah


“But I think we should look at him after the Nations Cup, probably feature him in some of the friendly matches to see his potential.


The hard tackling midfielder has become the fourth Ghanaian to switch nationalities after featuring for a European nation at youthful stages after the likes of Adam Kwarseey, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie and Kevin-Prince Boateng.