Source: Northern_Echo
Gyan impressed by Mensah’s bravery
ASAMOAH GYAN has praised fellow countryman and team-mate John Mensah for playing through the pain in last week's 1-0 home win over West Ham.[LNB] The Ghanaian defender has had a shoulder injury since the victory against Stoke last month and, despite missing a few games, he has started the last two.[LNB] Injuries to Titus Bramble and Michael Turner forced Steve Bruce to gamble on Mensah's fitness. But it paid off when his side kept a clean sheet last weekend.[LNB] Gyan is full of praise for his fellow Ghanaian for playing through the pain and believes other players should follow in his footsteps.[LNB] He's a good sportsman because he's someone who sacrifices himself for the team,[LNB] the former Rennes striker said.[LNB] Although he's in pain he has to sacrifice himself, there's no choice.[LNB] I thank him for that. We saw against West Ham he was in pain but he kept on going.[LNB] We should follow in his footsteps. It's not that easy to be playing all the time.[LNB] After arriving in the summer, the record signing has had his own fitness problems but says he is now fully fit, although he admits he is finding winter in the North-East difficult.[LNB] I'm really happy with my match fitness now, Gyan said.[LNB] I suffered a lot when I first came here but now I'm getting used to it.[LNB] This is my first year in England and it's very difficult in the Christmas holidays. I'll make sure I get used to it.[LNB] It's so cold too! I've played in Europe for a couple of years so I'm used to the weather, although Sunderland's a bit colder than I'm used to.[LNB] Bruce revealed yesterday Gyan was a slight doubt for today's game at Fulham with a toe injury, but the £13m signing insists the Black Cats are heading to Craven Cottage with one thing on their minds three points.[LNB] I don't normally watch their games so who knows what to expect Gyan said.[LNB] We just need to make sure we get the points or at least a point. We're not going there to lose.[LNB] Sunderland's FA Youth Cup third round tie against Chelsea has been rearranged for a second time due to the weather.[LNB] The game will now be played on Thursday, January 13, kick off 7pm, at the Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground, in Hetton.[LNB] Priced at £3 for adults and £1 for under 16s and over 65s, tickets will be available on the night only, with no advance sales.[LNB]
