Get familiar: 5 facts about new Black Star Kwesi Appiah

His inclusion in Avram Grant's provisional squad for the AFCON tournament raised a lot of question marks and inquests into who he is and why he was selected.

The name Kwesi Appiah is on the lips of many a stakeholder in Ghana football with varying views and opinions on his selection by the new coach of the Black Stars.

But who is Kwesi Appiah? Here are 5 facts about the Cambridge United striker:

Ghanaian Origin
First of all the answer to the obvious question that pops up is: No, he is not in any way related to former Black Stars coach Kwasi Appiah.

The 23-year-old was born on the 12th of August, 1990 in Thamesmead, London to a Ghanaian father and a British mother, which explains his Ghanaian roots.

He is yet to be capped by either Ghana or England at any level, but has chosen to play for the Black Stars, and should get a couple of games to prove his worth.

Career so far
Appiah began his career in non-league with Ebbsfleet, prior to joining Weymouth on a free transfer in 2009. Following spells at Brackley Town and Thurrock, Appiah really hit form in 2011 for Margate. Understandably, his performances alerted a number of Football League clubs and Crystal Palace secured his services in January 2012.

Loan stints with League 2 Aldershot Town and Yeovil Town followed to give the promising youngster experience of professional football, but he also excelled in the Eagles' development squad, where he netted nine goals in 13 matches. 

Early in the 2013/2014 season, Appiah joined Skrill Premier League outfit Cambridge and made a name for himself. Eager to prove himself in Sky Bet League 1, the 23-year-old joined Notts County on a one-month emergency loan with the hope of helping the Magpies climb away from the bottom four with more goals.

In March 2014, Appiah joined League Two side AFC Wimbledon on loan for the remainder of the 2013-14 season. He scored his first goal in a 2-2 draw with Newport County. Appiah made a return to Cambridge United on 10 July 2014 for a 6-month loan period

Attributes
Kwesi Appiah has in his locker the attributes you'd expect of a regular striker: the ability to beat a man and finish off his chances.

His greatest attribute however is probably his pace, which he uses to maximum effect especially in counter-attacking situations.

He demonstrated this for Cambridge against Macclesfield a season ago when he finished off with aplomb after a long run which started from his own half.

Though not his greatest strength, he makes for a decent header of the ball as well.

Key Stats
Season
Club Apps Goals
2009
King's Lynn (loan)
12
15
2011/12
Margate
33
35
2012/13
Cambridge United(loan)
14
10
2014 -
Cambridge United(loan)
16
6
Controversy
In 2008, Appiah, a product of the Ebbsfleet's youth set-up, failed to report back to the club after playing against Eastbourne Borough on September 23.

After being given seven days' notice of approach, the Fleet became aware that Appiah had been in contact with Peterborough and was training with them, before the period had expired.

Ebbsfleet reported the matter to The Football Association. On 15th December it was the FA declared that the approach made for Appiah by Peterborough was "not proven" and so no ruling could be made.