Ghana's national team coach, Chris Hughton, has responded to the ongoing efforts to convince Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi to play for the Black Stars.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has been keen on bringing the duo to represent Ghana for several years.

In the run-up to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, an attempt was made by the GFA to persuade both players, who had previously featured for England's junior teams, to switch their nationality and play for the West African country.

Despite struggling to earn call-ups to the English national team, Nketiah and Hudson-Odoi have remained eligible to play for Ghana.

Chris Hughton revealed that there has been positive dialogue with the players regarding their potential switch to Ghana, but the ultimate decision lies with them.

Reflecting on his own background, Hughton stated, "Particularly, I think it is understandable because I was born in England to an Irish mother and a Ghanaian father," he told talkSPORTS.

"Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi are players that have played for England for the under-age national teams so some of these are understandable.

"We have been in contact with them (Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi) not only during my time as the head coach so I think it is a process and ultimately, it will be about both of them making that decision that they want to play but we have been in good dialogue with them but some of these things are understandable.

"Two very good players. Hudson-Odoi did not play the amount of games he would have liked but it was all down to the system they played. Three at the back so it means he would have to be deployed as a wingback so hopefully, I just hope he plays regularly in the upcoming season and maybe that could get the process start again," he added.

He went on to emphasize that the process of convincing players to switch national teams takes time and patience.

The Ghanaian football authorities have been in contact with both Nketiah and Hudson-Odoi, not just during Hughton's tenure as head coach, indicating a consistent effort to engage the players in the matter.

Hughton acknowledged that both players are talented and have represented England in various youth levels, making their decision to switch to Ghana more complex.

He praised their abilities and expressed hope that Hudson-Odoi, in particular, would have more playing opportunities in the upcoming season to further the discussions about joining the Black Stars.

Ultimately, the decision to play for Ghana or any other national team lies with Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Hughton respects their freedom to choose.

The dialogue continues, and Ghana's football authorities will keep the lines of communication open in their pursuit of bolstering the national team with these talented players.