South Africa-based Mohammed Awal believes he is ready to fill in as a reliable defender for his injured colleague John Boye for the Black Stars crucial World Cup playoff against Egypt.

Ghana’s defence stands depleted going into the crunch first leg match of the playoff tie against the record African Cup winners on 15 October in Kumasi.

Head coach Kwesi Appiah must manage without three key central defenders against the Pharaohs.

Isaac Vorsah has been sidelined by a long term knee injury while John Boye is also out as he prepares for surgery on a troublesome pubic injury.

Jonathan Mensah has also had to withdraw from the October 15 clash due to a thigh injury while in action for his French club Evian TG.

This means Ghana will present a new set of defenders in the expected high-tension game in Kumasi.

But Awal who plays for South African club Maritzburg United says he is ready to become a successful back up plan for Appiah.

“I am always waiting for the opportunity to play so if I am given the opportunity I will display myself for Ghanaians to see,” he said.

“If someone is not there, somebody else can come and play and I believe I am ready to help the nation.”

Awal will be competing with Rashid Sumaila, Jerry Akaminko and Edwin Gyimah for a place in Ghana’s defence against Egypt on October 15.

Ghana want to record a resounding victory over Egypt to reduce the return encounter a month later to a mere formality.