Coach Goran Stevanovic has underscored the importance of Asamoah Gyan and says his immediate return is crucial to the success of the Ghana national team.
The Al Ain striker has asked to be temporarily excused from international football following the Black Stars’ disappointing run at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 26-year-old has been the subject of vitriolic attacks and threats after missing a crucial early penalty in the 1-0 loss suffered at the hands of eventual winners Zambia in the semi finals.
And it is believed these attacks featured prominently in his factors at arriving at the decision to quit the Black Stars temporarily.
But Ghana’s Serbian coach Stevanovic who himself has come under intense pressure after the Black Stars placed fourth in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea says Gyan’s contribution to the national team is priceless.
“Gyan is very loyal to Ghana. He like his country,†Stevanovic said.
“He create amazing things for Ghana and scored wonderful goals, we need Gyan in the national team.
“Ok, he missed a penalty and Messi, Baggio and other great players also miss penalties but that is not the question.
“The question is we need Gyan for next competition, he must come back.
“We can criticize, it is normal with life, I am here for criticisms. If he had scored the penalty I am sure everyone would say ‘coach congratulations’, its football.
“We should not insult him. Right now he needs the rest and I am sure he will come back in June again.â€