Former Liverpool youth prospect James Carragher has been called up for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
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James Carragher in action for Wigan.
Jamie Carragher's son, James, has been called up for Malta's World Cup qualifiers.
(Image: Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Jamie Carragher's son has been handed his first international call-up for Malta, ahead of their upcoming World Cup qualifiers. James Carragher has enjoyed a strong season in League One with Wigan Athletic and the 22-year-old has been granted the opportunity to pick up his first international cap.
The central defender is eligible for the nation 168th in FIFA rankings owing to the former Liverpool player's grandad. James could make his international bow against Finland and Poland during Match's upcoming break.
Jamie and James were granted Maltese citizenship last month - despite Jamie making 38 senior appearances for the Three Lions, as well as outings for the Under-20s and Under-21s. James' call-up, meanwhile, follows talks with key figures behind the scenes.
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President Bjorn Vasallo revealed last month: "We've been in talks with James and his father Jamie for the last few months now. He is open to it, but we're still working on it.
"We will not shy from signing players internationally. Everyone is doing it, so why not us?"
Like his father, James is a right-footed central defender and opened his account for the Latics during their 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers in January. He has made 25 appearances across all competitions for the League One outfit - and they face a difficult task going into the forthcoming international break when they travel to Charlton Athletic.
James will go from facing the likes of Miles Leaburn to Teemu Pukki and Robert Lewandowski. Wigan confirmed the appointment of Liverpool-born striker Ryan Lowe last week, meanwhile, after Shaun Maloney was relieved of his duties. Although Lowe will not be in the dugout for the trip to the Valley, they come up against an-inform Charlton who sit fourth in the table.