By Patrick Akoto
Ghana star Michael Essien has lauded 'wise' Goran Stevanovic for allowing him time and space following the announcement of his return to the national team on Monday.
The Chelsea ace has confirmed he will be available for selection when the Black Stars tackle Congo in a 2012 joint Nations Cup qualifier on 5 June on home soil.
Ghana's Serbian trainer Stevanovic met him during Ghana's high profile friendly against England on 29 March and had also insisted in the past that the player was an integral part of his team.
The 28-year-old is thrilled with the considerate nature of the former Partizan Belgrade tactician.
"I had a good chat with him when Ghana played against England and he understood my point of view when I told him he should give me time and that I will be available for the next game," Essien said.
"He really trusted me and I told him he shouldn't worry because I had not retired from the national team and that I'm a man of my word."