Michael Essien admits that Ghana have been handed a tough 2010 World Cup draw but is optimistic about the Black Stars making it past the first round.

Last Friday's draw in Cape Town paired Ghana in Group D together with top seeds, Germany, Serbia and Australia in the group stages.

Essien, a key member in Ghana's debut World Cup almost four years ago in Germany is of the conviction that the Black Stars can make the knockout stages at their second straight World Cup.

"This draw is similar to the 2006 draw where we had Italy, Czech & USA," Essien said.

"No one gave us a prayer but we advanced to the next stage and we will be doing the same this time.

"We respect all the other teams in the Group but we will not be running scared of any of them."

Essien is also looking forward to being available when Ghana plays Germany in the group stage where he would come up against Chelsea midfield partner Michael Ballack.

"That's a long way away, but we saw the draw and we're very happy we're going to come up against each other," said Essien.

"There's a long way to go until then, though: it's not until June."