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Sunderland defender John Mensah has been nominated for a GUBA (Ghana UK-Based Achievement) Award.

The 'Rock of Gibraltar' has been nominated for the award - which will be announced on October 24 - after leading his country to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in South Africa.

The awards were set up to recognise the achievements of Ghanaians who represent their homeland while living in the UK.

Speaking at the launch event at the Ghanaian High Commission, Mensah said: "I am really happy for this nomination and it is my wish that I win this award, but I will not rule out the fact that any of the other nominees can pick up the award as 'man proposes but God disposes'."

Mensah has had a significant impact since arriving on loan from Lyon last season, making 18 appearances during an injury-hit campaign.

But such is the defender's quality that manager Steve Bruce was persuaded to bring him back for a second season and Mensah is hoping to return against Wigan tomorrow.

Other famous names nominated for a GUBA award include Tinchy Stryder, who is a friend of Mensah's team-mate Anton Ferdinand.