Bristol City star reportedly in line for maiden international call-up with Ghana after switching nationality

Bristol City star Antoine Semenyo is reportedly set to make his mark on the international stage after it was reported he would be called up to the Ghanaian national team.

The 22-year-old has bounced back from a knee injury to become one of the Robins’ most influential players with 14 goal contributions this season.

His form has attracted the interest of the Black Stars, who are going to look to new blood to help guide them to just their fourth World Cup.

Ghana, who suffered a shock group stage elimination in January’s Africa Cup of Nations, have a double header against Nigeria this month for a place in Qatar this winter.

Guardian journalist Ben Fisher said that Semenyo had been called up to the squad for their upcoming qualifiers this month. He tweeted: “Antoine Semenyo will be called up by Ghana for World Cup play-off against Nigeria later this month.”

The news has been backed up by a further report from Ghana-based journalist Owusu Bempah Ayala.

In February, it was reported by Ghanaian journalist Saddick Adams that Semenyo, his agent and his parents spoke about representing Ghana and that they began the process of changing his nationality from English to Ghanian. He qualifies through his mother who was born there.

Otto Addo, who has been placed in interim charge after the sacking of Milovan Rajevac, was due to name his squad this week but that has been delayed.

Former Swansea City striker Andre Ayew, who captains Ghana, is out through suspension as is Benjamin Tetteh, so this could provide an opportunity for London-born Semenyo to be thrown straight into a game of high importance.

Semenyo could meet a familiar face if he links up for international duty as Jojo Wollacott, who was at City for 10 years, is their first-choice keeper, despite playing for Swindon Town in League Two.

They will first play at home in Cape Coast, Ghana on March 25 before playing the second leg in Abuja four days later on March 29.

City are due to play away at AFC Bournemouth three days later, so should Semenyo’s call-up be confirmed, then he would be travelling back from the region with only a few days of training behind him.

Semenyo’s call-up to the Ghana squad is further good news for his family, given his younger brother Jai, penned a new contract with Severnside rivals Cardiff City.

Jai put pen to paper on a deal that will keep him with the Bluebirds until the summer of 2024, as he looks to carve his own career in the game.

The 18-year-old was brought on by Steve Morison against Liverpool in January for his professional debut, with elder brother Antoine watching on at Anfield as a spectator.

Jai himself is eligible to play for Ghana, England, as well as Togo at international level.