Welbeck can still play for Ghana

DANNY WELBECK made his debut for England against the backdrop of boos from the fans he had snubbed – only to be begged afterwards to change his mind.

Media representatives from Ghana collared the Manchester United star, currently on loan to Sunderland, and urged him not to turn his back on the country after it emerged he could still play for Ghana, where his mother was born.

The latest FIFA regulations state only competitive matches count and that – unlike previously – there is no time limit for Welbeck to make an application to change.

However, while Welbeck was conscious of the mix of emotions in making his first senior appearance for England against Ghana, he is merely continuing a trend. “For me, it was a bitter-sweet moment,” he said. “I was really happy to make my debut for England, but to play against Ghana was a slight concern for me.

“My parents are from Ghana but it is a natural progression for me after playing at every single England youth-team level to progress to the seniors.

“Since the start of the season, I have been speaking to John Mensah and Asamoah Gyan and they are the ones saying, ‘Come and play for Ghana’.

“But I can’t make everyone happy and I’m sorry for that.

“The England cap was invaluable in terms of my progress and I’ll take that in my stride.”