'My brother-in-law recommended Christian Atsu to me' - Coach Kwesi Appiah reveals

Kwesi Appiah, a former Ghana head coach has revealed his brother-in-law recommended Christian Atsu for a Black Stars call-up.

The 28-year-old made his debut for the senior national team in June 2012 in Ghana’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Ghana won the game 7-0 and the young protégé scored on his debut for his country.

The Newcastle United star was hailed for his brilliance and was hugely tipped to help the country to lift the African Cup of Nations.

In an interview with Citi TV, Kwesi Appiah disclosed he gave Christian Atsu the chance to prove himself with the senior football national team after a recommendation from his brother-in-law.

“Personally if after a conversation and you suggest a player to me, I don’t forget about it. I follow up. I have a data software and then key in the name of the player and look at the last five games of the player. So if the player is as good as you say, I will consider giving that player a call-up.

“For Atsu, it was my brother-in-law who said, there is a player, I have seen him play and he is doing very well. So I checked and I gave him that opportunity.

“I think that’s what other coaches don’t do. They don’t give people the chance to prove themselves.”