Tariq Lamptey: I’m happy to play for Ghana
Black Stars debutant, Tariq Lamptey, has expressed his delight to be playing for the team after being handed his first international call-up by Ghana Head Coach, Otto Addo.
The Black Stars are due to take on Brazil in an international friendly in Le Havre, France, with the Brighton and Hove Albion right winger being among some of the debutants for the national team.
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Speaking in an interview with ghanafa.org, the 21-year-old expressed his excitement to be part of the national team and said he was looking forward to playing his first game for the Black Stars at the Stade Océane on Friday evening.
"I am very proud to be here and I am really determined to train hard, give the best as I can and I'm looking forward to the game on Friday."
He described his first day at training as a good experience and disclosed that he was already socialising with his new teammates and promised to work harder and listen to the coach instructions more.
"I feel really good, training has been good, it's good to know everybody. There is a very high quality (players) here and we are working hard in training, listening to what the coach has to say and looking forward to the game", he said
Touching on his expectation for the upcoming friendly, the 21-year-old former England youth star said playing such high-profile matches required adequate preparations and strategy, but added that they were all happy for an opportunity to be playing such a game.
"In this game you have to prepare very well, you prepare based on how you want to play and we're already excited and looking forward to playing against the team on Friday.
"I am just really excited to come here and get to work. I am very happy and looking forward to the game.”
Lamptey is among five players -- Inaki Williams, Mohammed Salisu, and the Germany-born duo of Stephan Ambrosius and Ransford Yeboah-Koningsdorffer -- have a chance to make their international debut for Ghana in Friday’s clash with the five-time world champions.
Meanwhile French Ligue 1 referee, Mikael Lesage, has been appointed to officiate in tomorrow’s international friendly with Brazil. He will be assisted by compatriots Alexis Auger and Valentine Evrade, with Guillaume Paradis as the fourth referee.
