Appiah Promises Swift Return

Ghana captain, Stephen Appiah has promised to return to action in due course to help the senior national soccer team, the Black Stars qualify for the 2010 World Cup. The 27-year-old has been out of action for five months because of complications he suffered after a knee surgery. The Turkey-based mid-fielder is now in Italy undergoing treatment through physical exercise to ensure his quick return to action. ''I saw the doctors a few days ago and the results have been getting better," the midfielder said on his official website www.stepapp.com. "All the tests have been encouraging and I am happy with the way things are going. ''I keep pushing the doctors to give me a come back date but they always tell me to be patient and keep working. "All the signs are good and hopefully I can be back playing when am given the go ahead." The Fenerbahce ace admitted that the training regime recommended by the Italian doctors have been tough because of his long absence from the game. "The sessions have been very intensive and due to the fact that I hadn't trained for a long time, it was very difficult to start with but now it's getting better," Appiah said. ''I have been doing aerobics and some gym work to build up my strength and general stamina and they push you really hard here. "The first week was hell because I had not trained for a while but once I got over that I started to feel comfortable with the whole programme." While the Ghana captain is keen to return to action in due course he is cautious about a rushed return. ''I can't wait to start playing again but patience is the key and I am sure all my fans will want me back completely healed than half fit, so I am being patient," he emphasised. Appiah congratulated his club team-mates for being the first Turkish side to reach the last eight of the UEFA Champions League. ''I will also like to take this opportunity to say congratulations to Fenerbahce for making it to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League," Appiah added. Stepapp