Anthony Yeboah returned to the land where he wrote his name in gold as a football on Thursday but this time with the sole purpose of firing up the Stars ahead of their 2006 world cup opener against Italy.

The ex-Frankfurt and Black Stars striker who was twice top scorer in Germany’s top flight arrived at the Maritim Hotel in Wurzburg to a warm reception from the Ghanaian contingent.

He then went straight up to meet some key players pointing out to them that though this world cup will be a difficult one, they are well placed to do well.

The mood in the camp has been high with growing confidence that the Black Stars are capable of clipping the Azzuris in the opener in Hannover on Monday.

And Yeboah, among the many ex-internationals and administrators in Wurzburg to lend support to the team said the key to victory will be mental toughness.

It is also a message that Sam Arday and Jones Attuquayefio who watched the Italians and Czechs closely have preached since arriving here.

Other ex-internationals in Wurzburg last Thursday was the Kotoko trio of Thomas Boakye, Nana Eshun and Michael Osei.