Illiasu in action for Ghana during the 2006 World Cup

By Ameenu Shardow

Defender Shilla Illiasu says he will jump at an opportunity for feature for the Black Stars again.

The 29-year-old has not been part of the Ghana team since 2008 where he suffered a career-threatening injury in the lead up to the Nations Cup on home soil.

He has since battled his way to regain fitness and is now seeing regular first team action in Armenia with Impuls Dilijan.

And despite the congested nature of the center half position in the Black Stars with an array of players to choose from, the ex Asante Kotoko player believes he can land a starting role when given the opportunity.

“A lot of people in the media both in Armenia and in Ghana have asked me this question and one thing I would like everyone to know is that I was out of the national team due to injury not because of my performance,” he said.

“You can all attest that during my time with the national team I was playing very well.

“You can also bear to the fact that injury is part of the game so to me I can tell you in my position in Armenia that when I am given the opportunity I will prove myself.

“I cannot tell because normally I allow people to judge my performance. I have been there before and I know how to represent my nation so when the door is open I will gladly take it and I am sure a lot of people will be happy to see me in the national team.”

Illiasu became a revelation at the 2006 World Cup in Germany where he distinguished himself.

He went on to seal a lucrative move to Russia with FC Saturn while commanding a starting role in the Black Stars by forming a solid partnership with John Mensah in the Ghana defence until injury eventually robbed him off his place and cost him his contract at Saturn.