Brazil 2014: I don't expect preferential treatment from Kwesi Appiah - Essien

Ghana and AC Milan midfielder, Michael Essien, says he does not expect to be given preferential treatment when Black Stars coach, Kwasi Appiah, selects his 23-man squad for Brazil 2014.

Essien believes that his performance at AC Milan will determine whether or not he makes the World Cup.

"I expect to be treated like any other player by the coach," Essien said in an interview with Supersports.com.

"I don’t expect any preferential treatment. The coach will ultimately decide who is selected to go to the World Cup and my job is to train hard, play well and make myself available for selection."

Asked for his thoughts on the new crop of Black Stars players, Essien described them as "good, talented and hungry as ever", saying they can deliver a trophy for Ghana soon.

"I am confident the future of Ghanaian football is in good hands with the crop coming through," he said.

The 31-year-old former Chelsea midfielder noted that Ghana's objective at the Brazil 2014 World Cup will be to qualify for the second round and then proceed to take each game as it comes.

"Who knows we will go one better and make it to the semi finals or even finals. Anything can happen but we are realistic enough to know we cannot aim that high from the start.

"Get the first objective of making the second round out of the way and we will see how far we can go. It will be a journey without a doubt and one we are looking forward to."

According to Essien, though Ghana is in the toughest group of the competition, the Black Stars will approach every game with the seriousness it deserves.

He said: "We are not scared of any team but we will respect them all and do our best. Watch out for a surprise or two from the group."

Touching on life at AC Milan, the former Liberty Professionals midfielder says he is settling in nicely.

"Everyone is friendly at the club and are looking after me well so I can’t complain. It's all good and once I get to know the city and people very well, I am sure I will enjoy it more."