Danny Welbeck understands reaction of Ghana fans

(GETTY IMAGES)

Danny Welbeck admitted he could understand why he was jeered by Ghana fans after coming off the bench to make his England debut against them.

Welbeck became the pantomime villain for the 21,000 away contingent when he replaced Ashley Young for the final nine minutes of last night's 1-1 friendly draw at Wembley.

Sunderland's on-loan Manchester United striker remains eligible to play for both nations - his parents are from Ghana - but he is set on forging an international career with the country of his birth.

The England Under-21 star said of the jeers: "I kind of understand that.

"I've been playing for England at every single youth-team level so it's kind of a natural progression just moving to the seniors and I'm obviously delighted with my own progress."

He added of his debut: "It's a bittersweet moment. I've got love for both countries.

"I can't play for both. I can't make everyone happy."

Sunderland team-mate Asamoah Gyan, the hero for jubilant Ghana fans after netting a stoppage-time equaliser last night, admitted defeat in his long campaign to convince Welbeck to switch allegiance.

Gyan said of the crowd reaction to the 20-year-old, who was only called into the senior England squad yesterday morning: "They do love him but, in football, sometimes the fans try to frustrate you.

"The first text message I received was from Danny Welbeck because I tried to speak with him for about six months.

"I think he took his decision and I do respect that decision."