Mensah earns manager's praise at Columbus Crew

Columbus Crew manager Gregg Berhalter has lauded the ethics of Jonathan Mensah during the Ghanaian's recent time on the sidelines.

The Black Star resumed first team training last week after a month in the treatment room, and is now available for selection in Saturday's clash with New York City FC.

The 26-year-old joined the Black and Gold from Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala as a Designated Player via a Discovery Signing in January.

"I think he [Mensah] showed the coaching staff how valuable he can be," Berhalter said, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

"I had a lot of conversations with him, and for him, it’s about the team winning.

“He’s not an egotistical player, he’s a team player.

"He’s been great when he’s been injured in terms of encouraging the team and he wants the team to be successful and that’s what you want from your designated players.”

Mensah's time out has restricted him to only three Major League Soccer appearances for Crew so far.

The centre-back was also previously on the books of French side Evian TG, Spanish club Granada and South African outfit Free State Stars.