Black Stars defender, Jerry Akaminko, has disclosed that his injury woes were prolonged due to the fact that he rushed his comeback.

The former Hearts of Lions defender has struggled with fitness issues for the better part of the last three years after sustaining a thigh injury while on international duty.

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Akaminko was destined to feature for the Black Stars at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, until an injury in Ghana’s ultimate warm-up game against the Netherlands ruled him completely out.

The 29-year-old has since struggled to return to full fitness, and only returned to the Black Stars set-up last month when Ghana played against Ethiopia in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

However, the Eskisehirspor defender has now revealed that his prolonged spell on the sidelines was as a result of rushing his injury comeback.

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“I think I wanted to come back quickly and was a bit impatience,” Akaminko is quoted as saying by FootballMadeInGhana.com.“There were things I was supposed to do which I didn’t do. I didn’t listen to the doctors very well because I really wanted to come back quickly.“At the end of the day, I have learnt my lessons and I am now in a better position to deal with injuries when they come.”

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Akaminko will now look to regain his position as one of the Black Stars’ first-choice centre-backs, having lost that slot during his injury period.

He will, however, face stiff competition from the likes of Jonathan Mensah, John Boye and lately Daniel Amartey for that spot.