Yan Dhanda is ‘desperate’ to play for India but faces a frustrating wait to see if he can cut through some red tape.
The Hearts star is English-born but of Indian heritage with his father’s side of the family from Punjab. He was capped at youth level for the country of his birth but never made it past under-17s level for England despite being a rising star in Liverpool’s academy.
India would have represented a chance for him to play international football but there is a government rule which requires playing representing the national team to be Indian citizens, and you must live in the country for 12 months before being able to apply for that.
That means there are a number of eligible overseas players who could boost the national team but are being frozen out.
Hearts star Dhanda wanted by India manager
India have a new manager in Spaniard Manolo Marquez and he is keen to get the 25-year-old on board having been in touch with him.
They will require the government to change their law for that to happen, though.
Dhanda said: “I spoke to the manager about a month ago and obviously he’s desperate for me to play because they have a new manager. He made contact and he’s desperate for me to play but at the moment we’re still waiting for the Government to change their rules.
“I think it’s one of the only countries that are not allowing it right now. I think the national team could do with a few of us going over to play because we want to play. I think we’ll only help and contribute with trying to get to a World Cup. I’m desperate to play there as well but at the moment it’s completely out of my control.
“The manager wants me to play, the FA wants me to play but at the moment the government are not budging. I think they’re pretty stubborn and we just have to wait, really. I’ve been waiting for a few months now but there’s been no progress.”
Dhanda has slow start at Hearts
Jambos fans were excited of the free transfer addition of the playmaker from Ross County, but so far he has only started three league games as he struggled to break into the side under previous boss Steven Naismith.
He was one of the most threatening and creative players in the opening day draw with Rangers but couldn’t find a regular spot in Naismith’s side.
He will hope a change of manager can improve his fortunes though, and a match-winning cameo in Europe against Dinamo Minsk will do his cause no harm.