Ghana coach CK Akonnor has justified his decision to hand Jeffrey Schlupp his first Black Stars invitation in over a year for next month’s friendly against Mali.

The in-form Crystal Palace ace was included in the 23 man squad which was announced on Friday.

Schlupp’s last call-up was in March 2019 for Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Kenya and a friendly against Mauritania.

Ghana will face their West African neighbors on October 9, in Antalyar, Turkey as part of the team’s preparations for the AFCON qualifier against Sudan.

“He is somebody who brings a force and speed into the game, speed of thought and that we have seen what he has done with Crystal Palace in the past, currently in good shape and they won recently against the big Manchester United where he played a major role” Akonnor said in an interview with GFA TV.

“I had a personal chat with him when I was there, one on one, he told me his problems and I think once we are able to give him that necessary chance and respect, he deserves, why not, he is here and most of these guys are in to prove a point”

“Don’t forget this is a friendly match and I think before November, we must know exactly those who can help us in the qualifiers and that is why all these opportunities has come for these guys”