Johannesburg - Michael Essien believes Ghana are more than capable of beating Uruguay in the Soccer World Cup quarter-finals.?

The 27-year-old has sent a good luck message to his national compatriots whilst continuing his rehabilitation on a knee injury.

The Chelsea star injured his knee at the African Cup of Nationsearly in 2010, and he failed to recover in time for the finals in SouthAfrica.

"I've been talking to Stephen Appiah, Sulley Muntari and a fewothers and I'll ring and text them to wish them luck and tell them I'mright behind them," he told The Daily Mirror.

"They will fight all of the way against Uruguay. I'll watch at home with some friends but I'll be with them in my heart."

He added: "A few people didn't give them a chance against the USA and it'll be the same against Uruguay. But they can do it."

Although disappointed to have missed out, he admits he isimmensely proud of seeing his side become the only African nation tomake it to the knock-out stages.

"I knew they could do well without me because they played so well in the African Nations Cup," he said.

"Of course I wanted to be there, but it's one of those things."

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