Ex-skipper of the Black Stars, CK Akunnor has made a vehement defence for a return of mid-field dynamo, Michael Essien to the Black Stars, stating the Chelsea star will get a starting place in the Brazil national team let alone Ghana. Essien’s announcement of a return to the Black Stars after almost a year out has reignited heated debate with some strenuously arguing the player should be blacklisted for not showing commitment to the national cause. The Chelsea star called for time out in the national team after two successive career threatening injuries which kept him out of action for over a year. His last time in a Ghanaian jersey was for 45 minutes at the 2010 Nation’s Cup encounter against the Ivory Coast - a match the Stars lost by 3-0. He then picked up the injury in training and sat out for nearly six months. On his return, Essien asked for a temporary break from national team duties but has barely missed a game for Chelsea. Essien told the BBC on Sunday he was ready to don the national colours again after his six months absence, but both supporters and critics have not stopped talking. Some angry supporters told Joy Sports, the services of the player will not be needed - an opinion CK Ackunnor has contested. He told Joy Sports’ Daniel Oduro that Essien, if he were Brazilian, would get a starting role and wondered why anybody would hound the player out of the Black Stars. He explained that many of the critics have misunderstood the Chelsea star and wants them to reconsider their decision. He said the reason why he called for a break was a “good one; and was necessary to save his career.” “People got it wrong on Essien,” he said, adding the European season takes a lot of energy from the players, plus they have to trek to Africa for international assignment and it makes their job all the more tiring. He said the situation becomes worse if one is embroiled in one injury after another like the case of Essien. He said his comeback is good news and can only make the team stronger. “Let me tell you one fact; Essien can fit into the Brazilian national team right now. If he gets into the Brazil national team, he will play,” he declared. He said even though the Black Stars have performed well in his absence, his comeback is a big plus to the team, adding the coach is competent enough to know how to use him. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana