Zidane Iqbal, the first South Asian to play make a senior appearance for Manchester United, is set to inspire more aspiring footballers by becoming a senior international.
Manchester United teenager Zidane Iqbal is set to be called up by Iraq ahead of his international debut against Iran next week, according to Sky Sports.
This means England are facing the imminent prospect of missing out on Iqbal, with Iraqi football chiefs already working hard to secure the 18-year-old’s services at senior international level.
Iqbal, who was born in Manchester, has previously captained Iraq’s U23s side so this has clearly been in the pipeline for some time.
Despite never been called up to represent England at any level, the United academy star is eligible to represent not only the Three Lions and Iraq, but Pakistan also.
Last month he made history by becoming the first British South Asian footballer to make a first team appearance for United after coming off the bench in the club’s Champions League clash against Young Boys.
It remains to be seen whether Gareth Southgate makes a last-minute call to change the youngster’s mind, but the opportunity to play in a World Cup qualifier next week might be too good of an offer to turn down.
Iqbal will make a decision on his international career soon.
