Paintsil starring for 50th cap

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Ghana defender, John Paintsil is determined to stretch his long association with the senior team beyond the World Cup qualifier against Benin on Sunday in Kumasi.

The dream of a second successive World Cup place might be fuelling his desire to prolong his stay with the Black Stars as Paintsil remains eager to help Ghana start the journey of reaching the 2010.

Despite the important nature of the game against the Squirrels, the Fulham player will be celebrating a major milestone when he reaches his 50th cap for the senior side if he earns some playing time at the Baba Yara Stadium.

At the age of 28, he will join only a few to have played 50 times for the senior national team with some present and past players have achieved that feat.

He will become the eighth player to follow in the footsteps of Abdul Razak, Abedi Pele, Tony Yeboah, Sammy Kuffuor, Stephen Appiah, Richard Kingson and John Mensah to have played 50 or more matches for Ghana.

Speaking to the Ghana Football Association’s official newspaper, GFA News this week, the full-back explained that he was thrilled with the prospect of joining such a wonderful group of performers.

“It is a fantastic achievement for me and my family and I am very elated and proud”, Paintsil said.

“It is something (counting caps) I haven’t thought about; all I care about is to line up for my country and do my best for the national team.

“But on a day like this, it feels good to reflect and it feels good to know that I am about to represent my country 50 times.

“It is even more exciting when I consider the fact that this is something great players like Abedi Pele, Tony Yeboah, Sammy Kuffuor, Stephen Appiah and John Mensah have done.

“To be classified alongside these legends in terms of caps for the national team is a great source of inspiration for me.

“Of course the dream of every player is to represent their country, but to get this opportunity and go on to play this much is beyond a dream-come-true.”

Paintsil has enjoyed such a fine career till date which has come with some criticisms too. But while having probably played his best season in his stint in England with Fulham, he is not letting his run of impressive performances for both club and country end now.

He is desirous to get better with a place at the 2010 World Cup finals in sight as he concentrates on helping Ghana get off the campaign against Benin with a win.

“I am not over excited about this achievement because I have a lot more to do for my country,” Paintsil said.

“For me, 50 (caps) is not enough. I want to look back at my international career when I retire one day and be able to call myself a true legend.

“I am not looking forward to my personal achievement on Sunday. My concern is about helping the Black Stars to a winning start against Benin.

“It is a crucial match which we are all determined to win to pave a clear way to the World Cup.”

Paintsil earned his debut call-up to the Black Stars in 2002 after his outstanding performance for the Black Satellites in the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship in Argentina where the Ghana won silver.

He’s featured in three African Nations Cup competitions, having played at the 2002, 2006 and 2008 and also played in all of Ghana’s matches at their debut World Cup in 2006.