Matty Cash has told of his pride at receiving his maiden call-up from the Poland national team.
The 24-year-old, who gained citizenship last month, has joined the squad for a World Cup qualifying double header against Andorra and Hungary.
Cash qualifies to play for Poland through his mother and grandparents, and his family were delighted when they heard the news.
“It’s a very proud moment for me and my family, Mum had a few glasses of champagne,” he said.
“It’s really special and a proud one for me and the family. My dad and all the family had to keep it really quiet.
“They’re all really happy. It’s a great opportunity for me to play international football and we’re all really excited.”
The full-back first approached the Polish FA about his eligibility in 2018 but was knocked back by the organisation’s former President, Zbigniew Boniek.
However, his successor Cezary Kulesza and the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, played a key role in helping Cash obtain Polish citizenship, aided by the support of head coach Paulo Sousa.
Cash said: “I can’t thank them enough. The support they’ve shown me to get everything over the line has been brilliant, especially the President.
“I’m really thankful and grateful. I spoke to the manager as well and he was another big part in helping to push it through.
“We had some breakfast with him (Sousa), which was really good. A good two-hour meeting with him about how we’re going to play and what he wants me to do. Hopefully I can take that onto the pitch and really express myself.”
With off-field matters settled, Cash has turned his attentions to helping Poland qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as they head into their final qualifiers.
Poland face Andorra on Friday, November 12 at 7.45pm before a home tie against Hungary on Monday, November 15 at 7.45pm, with the defender hoping to feature.
He said: “I can’t wait. I said when I came [to Villa] a year and a half ago that coming to the Premier League was another step and now getting to the international stage is another big step for me.
“It’s really good the progress that I’m trying to make. The next step up is the place where everyone wants to be to prove themselves. I’m really excited for it.”
Watch the full VillaTV interview with Cash below...
