Gambia's hopes of a qualification to the World Cup have been beefed up with the return of Mustapha Carayol from injury.

Carayol is being courted by the Gambia Football officials to have him fully commit his future to the Gambia national team before the tie against Ivory Coast.

But the 23-year-old's come back from a three month lay-off could be better news for the GFA.

Grandson and namesake to Independent Electoral Commission chairman, the winger is the only Gambian-born playing this high in the English championship and is top of the GFA list.

The ex- Bristol City, MKDons and Boro star marked his return with a goal against Barnsly but was substituted out in the 66th minute during Middlesborough 1-0 win over Senegal star Elhadj Diouf's Leeds united.

"It is our intention [to invite new foreign-based players].Bonu is responsible [for contacting players]. Any player who is at that level we will make sure we get him and as far as even talking to the player and that is the best way. Mustapha Carayol would be easier [to convince] than Joshua because he plays for Middlesborough. For every player that is identified, we will try at least to call him if he say no, it is no" Musa Njie technical director of the GFA told Foroyaa Sports in an earlier interview.