Acheampong sets sights on prompt Ghana return after Ethiopia snub

China-based Frank Acheampong hopes his remarkable season at Tianjin Teda earns him a 'deserving' comeback to Ghana's national team.

The 25-year-old was a conspicuous absentee from James Kwesi Appiah's latest squad that took on Ethiopia in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying last month.

His performance in the just-ended Chinese Super League ranks him among Ghana's hottest men abroad, having racked in an incredible 17 goals to finish as his club's top scorer.

“It is not automatic to enter into the national team," Acheampong, a member of Ghana's squad at the last two Afcon tournaments in 2015 and 2017, told Daily Graphic.

"You have to earn your call-up and I am ready to play my heart out when I return.

“I had a good season in China and we avoided relegation.

"I hope my performance will convince the coach to welcome me back."

Acheampong, who made his international debut in a 2012 friendly against China, last teamed up with Ghana in September ahead of an Afcon qualifier against Kenya.

He, however, left camp on the eve of the game to seek "urgent care" for an eye condition.

The Black Stars next assemble in March 2019 for their final fixture of the Afcon qualifying campaign against Kenya.