Michael Essien will send a good luck message to the Ghana squad before tonight's World Cup quarter final after revealing his pride at their achievement.

Essien has watched Ghana's World Cup heroics from home while going into Chelsea every day for rehabilitation treatment on his knee.

And he firmly believes they can cause another upset against Uruguay in Johannesburg as he hailed their incredible team spirit and desire to fly the flag for Africa.

Chelsea midfielder Essien said: “I've been loving every minute of it. I've been watching all of the game and speaking to some of the team and sending them text messages.

“I've been talking to Stephen Appiah, Sulley Muntari and a few others and I'll ring and text them to wish them luck and tell them I'm right behind them.

“The thing that has really impressed me the most is the team spirit. They are all together as a team, they play for each other and that’s why I knew they could have a great tournament.

“I really think they can do it. I watched them play against the USA and they just seemed so much stronger and fitter.

“They will fight all of the way against Uruguay. I'll watch at home again with some friends but I’ll be with them in my heart.

“A few people didn’t give them a chance against the USA and it’ll be the same against Uruguay. But they can do it. It’s such a big thing for them to be the last African team in the World Cup in Africa. That will help them a lot as well.”

Essien missed the end of last season because of his knee injury but is doing intensive rehabilitation to be fit for the start of the campaign.

The Chelsea midfielder admits that he is desperately disappointed not to be at the World Cup but has total faith in the rest of the squad.

He added: “I knew they could do well without me because they played so well in the African Nations Cup. Of course I wanted to be there but it’s one of those things and I just want to wish them well.

“The other players have stepped up and done so well. I’m so happy for Kevin Prince Boateng. The whole thing about him and Michael Ballack was difficult for him but he’s come through it and played really well.

“There’s been some good performances but really it’s all been about the team as a group. They’re so string together.

“I’ve been going in to rehab every day. It’s been going well, it’s looking much better and I’m hoping to be fit for the start of the season. I’m not 100 per cent yet but I’m getting better and I’m working so hard to be fit again.”