James Carragher, son of Liverpool legend Jamie, has received a senior international call up, but it's not for England.
Alongside a career at Liverpool that saw him make an incredible 737 appearances, Jamie Carragher enjoyed the privilege of representing his country on the international stage, making 38 caps for England between 1999 and 2010.
Carragher's performances for both club and country clearly inspired his son James, who decided to follow in his dad's footsteps and pursue a career as a professional footballer.
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The 22-year-old came through Liverpool's academy and currently plays for Wigan Athletic, but his career has taken another major step after he received his first international call up for a surprise country.
After loan spells with both Oldham Athletic and Inverness Caledonian Thistle in recent seasons, Carragher has established himself at Wigan Athletic this season, making 29 appearances in all competitions and scoring one goal for the Latics, who currently sit 15th in the League One table.
And it would appear that the defender's performances this season haven't gone unnoticed, as he looks to be set to make his international debut this month after being called up to represent Malta's national football team.
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Despite being born and raised in England, James was awarded the Maltese citizenship last month alongside his dad after the pair qualified through Jamie's grandfather Paul Vassallo and his mother Paula hailing from the Mediterranean island.
After James was granted Maltese citizenship, Malta Football Association president Bjorn Vassallo suggested the defender would play for the national team, saying: "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?"
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The international break is set to get to take place between 17th March and 25th, meaning Carragher won't have to wait long until he can make his debut for Malta.
His first opportunity at making his international debut will come on March 21 when Malta faces Finland in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match, before playing Poland on March 24.
Topics: Liverpool, Wigan Athletic, England, Jamie Carragher, Football
Ben McCrum