John Mensah has put off an operation on his troublesome back in order to pursue his World Cup dream.

And the former Sunderland loan defender is hoping the decision will prove worth it, as he tips Ghana to be potential surprise packages of the tournament.

The Ghanaian captain believes his country have the determination to shock a few people, despite the unavailability of talismanic Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien.

"I'm so excited because it will be my first time at the World Cup," said the 27-year-old centre-half, who spent this season on loan with Sunderland.

"It won't be easy, but my colleagues and I are all determined to help our nation to deliver.

"I'm glad to play in it as it's the first time the World Cup has come to Africa, but just because it's here doesn't mean an African team is going to win it – you have to focus on what you are going to do.

"It won't be easy for any team."

It will be harder for Ghana than most, though – they will have the youngest squad at the tournament and will have to negotiate a group containing Germany, Serbia and Australia. The two qualifiers play the top two in England's group.

On top of that, there is Mensah's ongoing injury problems, though he is keeping his fingers crossed for an injury-free tournament.

Mensah played 59 minutes of Ghana's 1-0 friendly win over Latvia in Milton Keynes on Saturday and said: "I think I will be fine.

"If we find time I can have an operation to get me back on my feet all the time. But there's the World Cup otherwise they could have done something then.

"I can't remember how long I've had the problem.

"If I get a tear in my calf or hamstring I'm usually able to recover in a maximum of about two or three weeks."