Kwadwo Poku handed late Ghana call-up by Avram

New York City FC star Kwadwo Poku has been handed a late call-up by Ghana coach Avram Grant for Tuesday’s international friendly with Canada Washington, GHANAsoccernet.com can confirm.

The 23-year-old earns the call-up following his string of impressive performances for New York City FC in the American Major League Soccer.

The move comes a sucker punch for the USA as manager Jurgen Klinsmann was targeting the midfielder in his squad for the upcoming 2017 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Ghana coach Avram Grant was forced to make late alteration to his squad following the withdrawal of quartet Asamoah Gyan, Andre Ayew, Christian Atsu and Mohammed Rabiu all due to injuries.

With the fitness of Lorient striker Abdul Majeed Waris also in doubt, the Israeli gaffer has included the Kumasi-born attacking midfielder who has maintained an impressive run of form in the American top-flight after his splendid assist rate and off-the-bench late shows.

Poku had declared his intentions to put Ghana first despite clear interest from the United States and Canada and would be on the squad for the double-header friendlies against Canada and Peru.

Grant will use the game to assess the level of quality of Poku to see if he could fit into his long-term future plans while Poku would also be hoping to nail a place for himself in the squad.

He will become the third MLS player in the Ghana squad for the friendly after David Accam and Columbus Crew’s Harrison Afful.

Portland Timbers goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey pulled out of the Ghana squad after Timbers officially wrote to the Ghana FA to excuse him for the friendly.