Michael Essien hopeful of Ghana opportunity

AC Milan midfielder Michael Essien has revealed that he still hopes to feature for Ghana at this summer's World Cup.

Essien has previously made himself unavailable for international selection after suffering injuries when representing his country, but after returning to full fitness during the current campaign, the former Chelsea player is keen to help his national team in Brazil.

The 31-year-old is quoted by the Ghanaian Football Association as saying: "The coach will decide when I play. If it's good for the team, it's good for me. In this way, I hope to go to the World Cup in Brazil.

"I would like to play in the World Cup with my national team. It's going to be hard, but in football anything can happen. We'll see what happens."

Essien has scored nine times in 52 appearances for Ghana.