AS Roma forward, Felix Afena-Gyan believes his debut Black Stars call-up came a bit too early as he rejected the opportunity to feature for the national team earlier this month.

Afena-Gyan was included in Milovan Rajevac’s provisional 28-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and South Africa.

But the youngster was unable to join the Black Stars squad for both games as Rajevac’s side earned a place in the playoffs, which takes off March next year.

Speaking in an interview with ace journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the striker says he didn’t feel the time was right to don the national team jersey.

“I felt it was too early for me to answer the call from the national team because I need to grow, physically but also mentally and psychologically” Afena-Gyan revealed.

“I also thought it was important for me to stay in Trigoria to accumulate training under [Jose] Mourinho’s orders, to continue improving and growing.

The Ghanaian also added that despite not responding to the call-up, he hopes to be a part of the team in the coming years.

“I have a lot of respect for my national team and I hope to be part of it in the future. The coach asked me if I would go and I told him I didn't feel ready yet. But it was my decision. I thought it was premature for me to take such a step,” he concluded.

Ghana went ahead to draw with Ethiopia in the penultimate game before beating Bafana Bafana with a 1-0 scoreline.