Kingston returns for Ghana

Ghana's Russia-based midfielder Laryea Kingston will return to the national side on 15 August after missing the World Cup through suspension.

The 25-year-old has been named in the Black Stars' 18-man squad for their friendly against Togo in London.

The Locomotiv Moscow star was excluded from the squad in Germany after receiving a four-match suspension during the last African Cup of Nations.

Kingston served his suspension after Ghana's group games at the World Cup and has been called up for the warm-up match against the Hawks.

Stand-in coach Silas Tetteh has kept faith with many of the World Cup squad.

However, injuries have ruled out defender John Mensah and striker Asamoah Gyan.

The Germany-based duo of Hans Adu Sarpei and Otto Addo, as well as Emmanuel Pappoe and goalkeeper George Owoo, have been dropped from the squad.

Key players Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and captain Stephen Appiah are all included in the squad.

Appiah says Kingston's return to the national side is important as the country prepares to host the 2008 African Nations Cup.

"We are all happy to see Kingston as we have already began our preparation for future assignments," Appiah told BBC Sport.

"As hosts of the 2008 Nations Cup we are taking our friendly matches as seriously as qualifiers as we do not have competitive matches before 2008."

Togo will be using the match to prepare for the 2008 Nations Cup qualifiers which start in September.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Sammy Adjei (Mohadon Sports Ashdod, Israel), Richard Kingston (BB Ankaraspor, Turkey)

Defenders: John Painstil (West Ham, England), Issa Ahmed (Randers, Denmark), Sammy Osei Kuffuor (AS Roma, Italy), Dan Quaye (Hearts of Oak), Habib Mohammed (King Faisal), Shilla Illiasu (Asante Kotoko)

Midfielders: Stephen Appiah (Fenerbache, Turkey), Michael Essien (Chelsea, England), Laryea Kingston (Locomitiv Moscow, Russia) Sulley Ali Muntari (Udinese, Italy), Haminu Dramani (Genclerbirligi, Turkey), Eric Addo (PSV Eindhoven,Holland) Derek Boateng (Beitar Jerusalem, Israel),

Forwards: Matthew Amoah (Borussia Dortmund, Germany), Razak Pimpong (FC Copenhagen, Denmark), Alex Tachie-Mensah (St. Gallen, Switzerland)