Position: Defender
Born: 15.06.81
Club: Hapoel Tel Aviv

Every squad needs one of those reliable benchwarmers who can 'do a job' if the need arises - and Ghana's John Pantsil fits the bill perfectly.

The versatile defender made four appearances in the qualifying stage and has been regularly called into the squad for the Black Stars' friendly matches in the lead-up to the World Cup.

Pantsil made his name in 2001 when he was part of the Ghana Under-21 side who won the silver medal in the FIFA World Youth Championship.

After this promising start to his career Pantsil quickly moved into the senior side, playing a part in the 2002 African Cup of Nations and the 2004 Olympic Games.

Now a relatively experienced head, Pantsil could play an influential role this summer as he can play both at right and left-back as well as in midfield.