Gyan blasts Ghana into extra-time lead

Sunderland defender John Mensah has backed Ghana team-mate Asamoah Gyan to be a success at the Stadium of Light following his record move from Rennes.

The Black Cats paid £13m to bring the striker to Wearside, and Mensah is confident it is money well spent.

"He proved himself at the World Cup, with Rennes in France and when he was in Italy," Mensah told BBC Newcastle.

"I believe that Asamoah Gyan can come in and perform at Sunderland and help the team as well."

Mensah added: "Sunderland have made a good choice."

Ghana, with Mensah and Gyan in their ranks, enjoyed an impressive World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals before they were knocked out by Uruguay on penalties.

"It's amazing what we did there, getting to the quarter finals but we know we were unlucky," Mensah continued.

"I have to take my confidence from the World Cup towards my team.

"If you play in the World Cup, and you come back to your team you must demonstrate the reason why you went to the World Cup.

"I have to be strong for my team.

Mensah returned to Sunderland on a year-long loan from French club Olympique Lyonnais after a successful loan-spell on Wearside last season.

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