Rajevac ready to reward Ghana youngsters

Rajevac entrusted newcomer Kevin-Prince Boateng, in only his second start for Ghana, and Anthony Annan, with the holding role in the midfield while Prince Tagoe and Dede Ayew roamed the flanks on Sunday.

The Serbian-born coach said 23-year-old Portsmouth attacking midfielder Boateng, could prove to be a good option for Ghana in the absence of injured Michael Essien.

"He (Boateng) has adjusted well and he might be one of the most intriguing players at the World Cup," Rajevac told Ghana FA website.

In the absence of veterans Stephan Appiah and Sulley Muntari, who is struggling with a thigh injury, Ghana were marshalled from the midfield by Dede Ayew, son of Ghana's great Abedi Pele.

Ayew, 20, captained Ghana's under-20 side to victory at the 2009 World Youth Championships in Egypt, beating Brazil in the final 4-3 on penalties. His brother Ibrahim is also in the squad.

Five members of that youth team, including Jonathan Mensah, 19, Samuel Inkoom, 21, Daniel Agyei 20 and Dominic Adiyah 20, earned a place in Ghana's World Cup squad, making the squad the youngest in the World Cup with an average age of 24.

"Though the two tournaments are different, that experience helped," Ayew said.

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