It's been seven years since he last played for the Black Stars but on Monday, the ex-Ghana international, Otto Addo made a rare stopover at the national camp in Abu Dhabi.

The ex-international arrived in the Ghana camp as part of the technical team of German side, Hamburg who are also in the Gulf state for a training camp.

Addo backed the side to go on and achieve something at the competition to be hosted by South Africa this month as he watched their training.

"I have been enjoying watching the Ghanaian Black Stars the last few years since I retired. Ghana has improved," Addo told the Black Stars at their pre-Africa Cup of Nations camp base, the Zayad City Sports Complex in Abu Dhabi.

"I think you have a good squad and together you can achieve something and keep together.

"Only 11 players can play at a time and it is always a hard decision for the coach so always try to help and try assist him.

"Try to do everything possible to make the Black Stars shine bright. Do your best even if you come on for five minutes or ten minutes.

"You all have to be together then together you can achieve something."

Seven years might be a long time since the former midfielder pulled on the national jersey at the 2006 World Cup but he saw present, three members of that squad that represented Ghana in their debut World Cup finals in Germany.

Asamoah Gyan, John Paintsil and Derek Boateng were all members of the Black Stars team that reached the last 16 on their debut.

"You (Addo) have done a lot for the country and we really appreciate it," Gyan told Addo after the former Bundesliga star addressed the players.

"When we heard you were coaching we were really happy for you.

"Now we are preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations. We have been working really hard. Back home people are expecting the trophy. We will go there and play our hearts out for the country."

On his part, Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah was also pleased Addo took some time to visit the Black Stars.

"As you have ventured into coaching I am really pleased for you. The fact that you took you time to come here to see us shows your commitment to the country," Kwesi Appiah said.

"Now that you are into coaching we hope that one day you will also come back home to join hands to build the team.

"We wish you and your team all the best and we on our part will prove to Ghanaians that we are worth wearing the national team colours."