Gyan seeks lead striking role

Injury-prone Black Stars striker Asamoah Gyan has spoken of his desire to recapture the lead striking role in the team for the 2010 Nations Cup/World Cup qualifiers.

The 23-year-old has suffered a lot of injury setbacks this term after switching from Udinese to Rennes in an 8 million euro move.

Gyan is yearning for a role in Milovan Rajevac starting line-up for Sunday's Group opener against Benin at the Baba Yara Stadium.

"I won't say I'm the lead striker now because it's been a while for now so I am back to take my place in the team," Gyan told Ghanasoccernet.com

"So I'm just focused. I will just play my normal game and the coach decides. I believe in my qualities and I know what I can do on the field."

Gyan last played for the Black Stars some 14 months against Nigeria at the Nations Cup on home soil and he is elated to return to international duty.

"I'm very happy because I have been in a lot of difficulties for the past one-and-half years so joining my colleagues. I thank God," he added.

"I just recovered from injury and I have played few games for my team and think my condition is quite for us that was why I respond to the call-up because I believe playing for the national team, at least you have to be 65% fit."

He scored Ghana's first goal at the 2006 World Cup in Germany in a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic.