John Pantsil may be with Ghana in the middle of a hectic month of World Cup qualifiers but before leaving he took time out to make sure of a day to remember at a local school.
The popular West Ham United right-back was delighted to go along to St Peters RC Primary School in Dagenham, where he spent an afternoon meeting the children and visiting their classrooms. Upon arriving, he was given a guided tour and also told about the school's own sporting achievements. School spokesman David Watts said: "The first time he walked into Class 1, he made the children comfortable and at ease with a Premiership player which was a credit to him.
"The time he gave all the children was excellent. His visit will never be forgotten by all - young and old - in the school. One teacher said it had changed her perception of footballers now. That says it all." Pantsil, who was part of the Black Stars' squad when they began their bid to reach the 2010 World Cup over the weekend, spent time signing countless autographs and talking about West Ham United. He also talked tactics with one inquisitive young supporter and also posed for photographs.