John Mensah made captain of Rennes

Ghana deputy captain John Mensah has been made captain of French Ligue One side Rennes.

The defender was promoted on his return from the Africa Cup of Nations where he led the Ghana national team in Stephen Appiah's absence.

The 25-year-old captained the Black Stars with exemplary conduct during the tournament in his home country and officials of Rennes took notice.

He led the club for the first time on Saturday during the league match against Lille and they lost by 3-0.

Some have seen his promotion as a ploy by Rennes to make him stay at the club in the face mounting interest from clubs across Europe.

But officials of Rennes have denied that assertion saying that even though he has been with the club for just two years, his leadership qualities cannot be ignored.