Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic has insisted Asamoah Gyan is a valuable asset to the team and expects him come back stronger than ever after his temporal break from the national team.

The Black Stars striker has asked to be excused from international duty in the wake of Ghana's failure to win the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

Gyan has come under heavy attack for his crucial penalty miss in the semi-final final against eventual winners, Zambia and for his decision to take a break from international competition.

Despite the wedge between the player and some fans, Stevanovic is in no doubt the striker will recover quickly from his latest setback and contribute meaningfully towards the national cause on his return.

“Gyan is good for Ghana. And he likes his country,” Stevanovic said.

“He creates amazing things and scores wonderful goals. We need Gyan for the next competition.”

“Criticizing is normal but not to insult,” he said. “If he had scored the penalty I am sure everyone would say ‘coach congratulations’, its football.

“We should not insult him. Right now he needs the rest and I am sure he will come back in June again.”