West Ham's Jack Collison sticking with Wales

29 May 2009 09:45
The Watford-born player is eligible for Wales through his grandfather, who was born in Bedwellty, and has already won four senior caps. But all four have been friendlies and, technically, the 20-year-old could switch allegiances. Wales are still reeling from the defection of Rhys Williams, who left the Wales set-up - after representing their U21 team on 10 occasion - for his native Australia, exposing the Fifa loophole that allows dual-qualified youngsters to switch allegiances. But Collison is set to end speculation by playing in the World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan next week, and said: 'There was nothing in suggestions that I could decide to play for England, certainly not from me. 'Next weekend I can put an end to all that speculation by pulling on a red shirt and playing for Wales in my first competitive international. Then it will be over, I will have made it clear who I want to play for. 'I'm very proud to play for Wales. My mum's side are very proud I chose to play for Wales and so am I.'

Source: Telegraph