Roberto Martinez is pleased to see Ghana andà Christian Atsuà qualify for the African Cup of Nations quarter-finals â⬓ even though it means the Everton boss will be without the winger for Saturdayââ¬â¢s clash with Crystal Palace.
Atsu put in a man of the match performance in the Black Starsââ¬â¢ 2-1 victory over South Arica on Tuesday - a result which set up a last-eight clash against Guinea on Sunday.
Ghanaââ¬â¢s opponents were determined by the unusual method of drawing lots after Guinea and Mali had finished with identical records in Group D having drawn all three pool matches 1-1.
Atsu has played in all three of Ghanaââ¬â¢s games at the tournament and Martinez believes the on-loan Chelsea man will eventually return to Finch Farm having benefitted significantly from a lot of football in a short space of time.
Martinez said: ââ¬ÅWe all felt that Christian has been developing and growing a lot, even though he hasnââ¬â¢t been able to play a lot of games [for Everton]. Weââ¬â¢ve seen his progress and how he is adapting with everything he does in training, so it was no surprise to see him doing so well against South Africa.
ââ¬ÅHe did really well with a team that was under massive pressure with the expectations that they have. Losing the first game put them in a situation where there was no room for mistakes.
ââ¬ÅOn Tuesday, after going 1-0 down, Christian performed at a high level. We are excited for him, even though that means he is going to be away longer.
ââ¬ÅI have always been very excited about Christian having a really strong second half of the season and I think the proof is the way he has been playing with Ghana.ââ¬