Dundee United right-back Dario Naamo has been named in Iraq’s provisional World Cup squad after having his request to switch allegiance from Finland approved by world governing body Fifa.
Born to a Finnish mother and a Kurdish father, he grew up in the Espoo region, where he progressed through the youth academy of local club Honka.
Naamo, who turned 21 last week, has played at youth level up to under-21s for Finland but makes the switch in time to be considered by head coach Graham Arnold for this summer’s finals in the Americas.
The 35 players will enter a preparatory camp in Spain and will be reduced to 26 on 1 June before facing the Spanish in a friendly three days later.
Iraq then take on Norway, France and Senegal in Group I.
Naamo joined United from Austrian club St Polten last summer and has made 21 appearances, although only nine have been starts.