After starring for Ghana in the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany, the versatile defender headed to the Boleyn Ground, where he impressed Alan Pardew in a trial organised by Israel captain Yossi Benayoun.

The right-back, who can also play in central defence and at left-back, was quickly signed on a four-year contract from Israeli side Hapoel Tel-Aviv in a deal that could eventually rise to £1m.

Pantsil began his career in his homeland at Berekum Arsenal FC before moving on to Liberty Professionals, where his performances earned him a call-up into the Under-20 side that reached the FIFA World Youth Championship final in Argentina in 2001, where they lost to the hosts.

After heading to Europe for a brief spell with Polish side Widzew Lodz, he then joined Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2002, helping them to the championship and domestic cup final in his first season.

And in December 2004, he made the short trip across the capital to sign permanently for Hapoel.

On the international front, Pantsil represented his country at both the 2002 and 2006 African Cup of Nations and he was also selected for Ghana at 2004 Olympic Games in Greece.

The stopper also played in all of his nation's matches at the 2006 World Cup finals, where they were eliminated at the second round stage by Brazil.

Upon his arrival in the Premiership, however, John - whose registration documents name him as Pantsil rather than his preferred Paintsil - found his first-team opportunities limited.

Indeed, despite making his debut as a half-time substitute in the opening day victory over Charlton Athletic, he went on to make just seven league and cup outings during an inaugural 2006/07 campaign at the Boleyn Ground.

After some memorable substitute's appearances, his first league start since October 2006 came in the 1 January 2008 defeat at Arsenal where Pantsil endeared himself to the travelling support with his all-action style. He had the honour of being selected by hosts Ghana in their squad for the 2008 African Cup of Nations later that month.