Dickoh keen on Black Stars return

Holland-based defender Francis Dickoh has said that he wants to resurrect his international career with Ghana after missing the Africa Cup of Nations.

The 25-year-old was omitted from the hosts 23-man squad for the Nations Cup and he then hinted that he would consider his international future.


"Some of my instant remarks really displayed my disappointment in the decision made by the coaching staff," the Utrecht player told BBC Sport.


"But you live with it, I was a bit down with the decision but I coped with it.


"What I said was taken a little out of context - what I said was 'that the only rational thing to do at that point was to focus on my club career.'


"My game is fully back to its best, it was a disappointment then but it has made me stronger now."


"Obviously if Ghana calls me, I would be proud to play for the country. I always do my outmost to make the country proud."

Dickoh says even though he was upset by the omission he holds no grudge against Ghana's Frenchm coach Claude Leroy.


"I don't have any problem with the coach, as I said I play for the country no matter who is in charge.


"If he's not there, Ghana will be there and I will still be determined to defend my country.


"I am still disappointed with his decision but coaches make decisions everyday and you have to cope and live with them.


"It makes me more matured now and keen to show that the past is behind me and I am always ready to give my heart to the country."


Despite the Black Stars recent 2-1 loss to Mexico in a friendly game in London, Dickoh believes the future is very bright.

"I believe Ghana can qualify for the World Cup in 2010 if the tempo and the spirit is kept alive," Dickoh said


"There is so much quality in not just the current squad but in Ghanaian players across the world.


"I am very confident Ghana football will continue to rise because the quality is there."


Dickoh, born to Ghanaian parents in Denmark, got his break into the Ghana national team in November 2005.


He was part of the squad that went to the 2006 African Nations Cup finals in Egypt, but was excluded from the side that went to the World Cup later in the year in Germany.