"Black Stars are not a one-man team" - Essien

Ghana's excellent run in the past year and the good run in the qualifying for the 2012 African Nations Cup lays to rest the idea that the Black Stars is reliant on certain individuals.

The Black Stars would resume the qualifying campaign with a reverse fixture against Congo on June 5 in the fourth round of games knowing that victory would keep them top of Group I.

With 7 points and a better goal difference ahead Sudan, Goran Stevanovic can welcome Michael Essien back into the side with the midfielder announcing his availability after ending his one-year absence.

Essien, whose last game for Ghana came in a forty-five minute appearance at the 2010 Nations Cup says in his stead, the Black Stars have looked to a host of sources to keep them going.

"I want to help my country qualify for the next African Nations Cup. They have done more than well during my absence and it shows how good the squad is. The Black Stars are not a one-man team," said Essien.

As he plans for his return, Essien admits he needs to fight for a place in the Ghana side with several players having stepped up to help Ghana reach the final of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and the quarter-final of the World Cup during his lengthy period on the sidelines.

“I must work hard to be able to get into the starting team because the young players did very well in my absence,” Essien said.

“You can see from their performance at the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup what they did.

“It will be difficult to get back into the starting team because of that but I am ready to fight for a place and it will be up to the coach to decide.”