Chris Hughton Opens Up on Trying to Convince Eddie Nketiah and Hudson Odoi to Play for Ghana

• Chris Hughton has had positive talks with Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi
• The Black Stars coach is hoping the duo will switch allegiances to represent Ghana
• Nketiah and Hudson-Odoi have played for England at various levels

Black Stars coach, Chris Hughton has revealed that he has had talks with England-born duo, Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi over switching their nationalities to represent Ghana.

Both players have Ghanaian parents, which would allow them to play for the African nation at an international level.

Nketiah is yet to play for the Three Lions at senior level, while Hudson-Odoi has made three appearances for England, but has not featured for the European country in over two years.

According to Hughton, he had a positive dialogue with both players, but the final decision depends on them.

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"The issue is, and it is understandable, particularly for someone like myself who was born here," Hughton told talkSPORT. "I have an Irish mother, Ghanaian father and chose to play for Ireland at that particular time," he added.

"These are two players that have represented England at quite a few of the underage teams. So some of it is understandable. We have been in contact with them.

"Not just in my time, I think from before as well. It is a process. But ultimately it will be about both of them making that decision that they want to play but we have had good dialogue with them."

The former Brighton and Hove Albion manager took over as Ghana coach in February and has been tasked with the job of winning the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, as reported by the BBC.

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Partey Saudi links: Hughton unbothered

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Hughton has revealed that midfielder Thomas Partey's place in his team will not be affected by a potential move to the Saudi Pro League.

The Arsenal midfielder has been linked with a move to Al-Hilal following the club's signing of Declan Rice.

However, the Ghana international has showed a desire to stay at the Emirates after an outstanding pre-season with the Gunners.

Hughton unveiled as Ghana coach

Chris Hughton has been unveiled as the new coach of Ghana's senior national team, the Black Stars.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion manager will be in charge of the Black Stars until December 2024.

At a short ceremony in Kumasi, Hughton shared his excitement and hopes to lead the four-time African champions back to their glory days.