Nationality paperwork problem leads to West Brom loanee Sébastien Pocognoli call-up

 

West Brom owned Sébastien Pocognoli, currently on loan at Bright & Hove Albion, received a call-up over the weekend to the Belgian squad, after injuries to others.

The left back is thrilled with the call-up and believes it’s a boost given his decision to leave West Brom in summer, and make the step down to the Champions with Brighton.

Earlier, we covered the player explaining: “Two years ago, I was so happy because I was playing in the Premier League regularly, but a manager disrupted everything. This call-up, I take it like a reward, especially for my family who supported me when things weren’t going too well for me.”

Pocognoli’s issues with Tony Pulis are nothing new, but his call-up may have as much to do with the misfortune of others, rather than simply changing clubs and getting more joy at Brighton.

Belgian newspaper Het Belang van Limburg report on Monday that Roberto Martinez had looked to call Nana Akwasi Asare up, but the Gent left back didn’t yet qualify. Playing in Belgium since 2004, the Ghana born footballer is taking Belgian nationality, but the paperwork isn’t yet finished.

Gent manager Michel Louwagie had to inform Martinez he couldn’t pick Asare, and explained: “The procedure is ongoing, but there is still no final approval… The procedure takes at least two years. Only then, may he be used.”

Asare’s misfortune allowed Pocognoli to get another chance, and vindicate his loan move from West Brom.