Ghana’s coach, Chris Hughton, has addressed the possibility of convincing Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi to play for the Black Stars.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has been keeping an eye on the duo for several years and attempted to persuade them to switch nationality ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Despite featuring for England’s junior sides, Nketiah and Hudson-Odoi, who are still eligible to play for Ghana, have faced challenges in earning call-ups to the English national team.
In response to the potential of convincing them to play for Ghana, Chris Hughton revealed that positive discussions have taken place, but ultimately, the decision lies with the players themselves.
“Particularly, I think it is understandable because I was born in England to an Irish mother and a Ghanaian father,” he told talkSPORTS.
“Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi are players that have played for England for the under-age national teams so some of these are understandable.
“We have been in contact with them (Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi) not only during my time as the head coach so I think it is a process and ultimately, it will be about both of them making that decision that they want to play but we have been in good dialogue with them but some of these things are understandable.
He further praised both players, acknowledging their talent and potential contributions to the team. Hudson-Odoi faced challenges in getting ample playing time due to the tactical system employed by his club, which required him to play as a wingback. Hughton expressed hope that Hudson-Odoi would get more regular playing time in the upcoming season, which could potentially rekindle the discussion about playing for Ghana.
“Two very good players. Hudson-Odoi did not play the amount of games he would have liked but it was all down to the system they played. Three at the back so it means he would have to be deployed as a wingback so hopefully, I just hope he plays regularly in the upcoming season and maybe that could get the process start again,” he added.
In conclusion, Hughton emphasized the importance of giving the players time and space to make their decision regarding international representation and highlighted their exceptional abilities as valuable assets to any national team.
