Amjad is stunned by World Cup call

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The players could soon be pushing the fans out of the way to head the queue for Amjad Iqbal's autograph as the midfielder's prospective international debut edges closer.

Iqbal is a boon to any squad - a versatile player with super- charged fitness levels.

He can play anywhere across the back four, either side of central midfield and he has a knack of finding the net.

The Pakistani national squad are the latest to be alerted to his prowess and have inquired as to his availability.

Iqbal's call-up for Pakistan's World Cup qualifiers against Iraq is expected to be confirmed imminently.

A stunned but delighted Iqbal said: "I can't believe it - it hasn't really sunk in yet.

"The phone hasn't stopped ringing and it seems strange - I keep thinking what am I doing talking about me in the World Cup."

Farsley boss Lee Sinnott is also happy for the player but quipped: "I feel like Amjad's agent at the moment - every time my phone rings it's about him!"

The first thing on Iqbal's agenda was to arrange time off from his day job as a chemistry lecturer at Bradford College.

"The games were originally scheduled for October 8 and 28, which would have made it very difficult for many reasons. They have altered the dates to October 22 and 28, which is better for everyone.

"The reason why they have been changed is because of the fasting - both Pakistan and Iraq are Muslim countries.

"I know from my own career how difficult it is to play football during fasting - you are never 100 per cent.

"The new dates are much better for that, and because both games are now within a week it means I can get time off to go. The first game is at home in Pakistan and the other game is in a neutral country because of the situation in Iraq at the moment. That second leg will be in Jordan.

"The Pakistani Football Federation wanted me to go earlier to have more time to get used to the management team, the rest of the squad and to acclimatise.

"That isn't possible unfortunately but I'm looking forward to it very much.

"My parents are over the moon - it's their country more than mine and they are really proud that I will be wearing the shirt. I was born here - in Bradford Royal Infirmary actually - but I have waited eight years for a call from Sven or Mr McClaren.

"I think that is long enough - it isn't coming. I'm delighted to be asked to play for Pakistan and will be travelling over with Zesh Rehman from Queens Park Rangers and Tranmere's Adnan Ahmed.

"They have told me that the atmosphere is fantastic - 25,000 to 30,000 people packing the ground for internationals. I just hope I get my chance."

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