Dundee United’s Prince Buaben believes his Ghanaian countrymen can still make an impact at the World Cup even without the influential Michael Essien.
The Chelsea midfielder was ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury but Buaben believes the African Cup of Nations runners-up possess enough quality to overcome the loss of their star player.
“Obviously, losing Michael Essien is a big blow because he is our best player and has loads of experience of playing at the top level,” said Buaben, who narrowly missed out on selection for Milovan Rajevac’s squad.
“But I still think we have the players to be a success at the tournament.
“Sulley Muntari is another top player so a lot of the responsibility will fall to him when the tournament starts.
“But we are more than just one or two players Derek Boateng and Kevin Prince-Boateng have great experience and I think you will see a lot of players step up to the mark now.”
He added, “It is hard to predict how far we will go but I think we have a good chance of getting out of the group.
“It will be very difficult because Australia, Germany and Serbia are all good sides but we showed in the African Cup of Nations we have what it takes to compete at a major tournament.”
Buaben was naturally downbeat when he heard he was not selected for South Africa but at the age of just 22, he knows he has time on his side to make the Ghana squad if they qualify in 2014.
He said, “Obviously, I was disappointed to miss out on the squad but the main cup I was interested in was the Scottish one that was my World Cup.”
Meanwhile, Raith Rovers are understood to be keen to take United striker Kevin Smith back to Stark’s Park next season. Smith has scored 22 times for the Kirkcaldy club during loan deals over the last two seasons.
Raith boss John McGlynn is believed to be interested in signing the 23-year-old for another loan spell or on a permanent basis.
Smith still has a year to run on his contract at Tannadice but United are not short of options in the striking department with David Goodwillie, Jon Daly, Francisco Sandaza, Damian Casalinuovo, Andis Shala and Johnny Russell also on their books.
Second division Ayr United are avidly following transfer developments at Tannadice.
Ayr are due 20% of any fee the Tangerines receive for winger Craig Conway, who is attracting the attention of a number of clubs including Middlesbrough and Rangers.