Barreto Calls Up Charles Taylor

Kumasi Asante Kotoko forward, Charles Taylor has gained a call up into the senior national team, the Black Stars ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso on Saturday.

The Kotoko player who was left out of the initial ten-man local component called up by coach Mariano Barreto joined the Black Stars in training Tuesday.

The inclusion of Taylor is expected to widen the attacking options of Barreto after some late pullouts due to injuries.

Six of the invited foreign-based players are ruled out of Saturday?s game with injuries.

The six include Michael Essien, John Painstil, Asamoah Gyan, Yakubu Abubakari, Eric Addo and Baffour Gyan. Defender Kofi Amponsah had difficulties with travel arrangements.

Italy-based, Mohammed Gargo, who was expected to make a return to the national team after a long absence has failed to honor Barreto?s invitation.

But Mariano Barreto should have little problem selecting Ghana?s 18-man squad for the tie with 26 players currently in camp to choose from.

The Black Stars would play AshantiGold in a friendly at the Accra Sports Stadium Wednesday afternoon.

The game is the team?s only warm-up before they emplane for Ouagadougou on Friday.