Ibrahi m Tanko reveals: Why Alex Song was dropped by Cameroon

Ibrahim Tanko has revealed why West Ham midfielder Alexandre Song was left out of Cameroon squad for 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

The ex-Arsenal man was a surprise omission from Cameroon's African Cup of Nations squad as he has been a revelation at Upton Park since joining West Ham on loan from Barcelona.

Song seems to have fallen out of favour with the Cameroon hierarchy following his sending off during the 4-0 defeat against Croatia during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Speaking about why Song was omitted from the squad, Cameroon's assitant coach Ibrahim Tanko said: "Song was suspended by the [Cameroon] FA so there was no need to go with him to the African Cup."

"The FA has not lifted the suspension on him yet so he is not part of our plans for the tournament."

Song has played a significant role in West Ham's impressive start to the season, which has taken the club to fourth in the Premier League .

Cameroon's coach, Volker Finke, has ignored Song since this year's World Cup in Brazil. Song was sent off for elbowing the Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic in a 4-0 group stage defeat.

Finke however retained just eight players from the squad that crashed out of the World Cup at the group stage without earning a point and having scored one goal while conceding nine.