Queens Park Rangers defender Osman Kakay has stated his happiness and he is ‘raring to go’ after his first call-up to the Sierra Leone national team.

Kakay, 21, is on Coach John Keister’s final 23-man squad for the September 9th away 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia.

He has been a vital player under former England manager Steve McClaren at the Championship Club, playing three of their opening five matches this season.

“It feels great, my dad has been the big influence in making my decision. It has come at a good time and I am raring to go,” Kakay told Football Sierra Leone UK.

“He has told me how big the importance of football in the country and how big the opportunity is and I’m really happy to be part of the Sierra Leone team,” he added.

He reiterated, “It is a great honour to be called up to the national team. I feel proud that I will able to represent my country and be a part of big things to come. “

“Very excited because it’s a chance for me to showcase myself as a player and for our team to create something special.”

Kakay, who made his debut in QPR’s 2-1 victory over Rochdale in the EFL Cup tie in August 2016, is aware of the physicality playing in Africa.

“I know African football can be very physical with a lot of quality as well. I am confident that both attributes suited to me so I believe I will adapt well.”

“I am looking forward to it a lot. I’ve heard a lot of positives especially when the team plays at home the atmosphere is very good so i can’t wait for the experience.”

His first professional debut was in the Scottish Championship in January during a loan spell with Scottish side Livingston.

In Scotland, he played 12 times for Livingston.

On his experience playing for QPR, Kakay noted, “It has been good to be given the opportunity to play the first few games and I have adapted well to the league. I am hoping to get more appearances during the season so I can continue to improve as a player.”

Meanwhile, here is Coach Keister’s final 23-man squad for Ethiopia:

Goalkeepers: Solomon Zombo Morris (FC Rodeo, France), Alhaji Sesay, (Bristol City England), Mohamed N Kamara (FC Johansen),

Defenders: Umaru Bangura (FC Zurich, Switzerland), David Simbo (Kiremithane Spor Turkey), Hassan Milla Sesay (FC Lathi, Finland), Abu Suma (Unattached) Osman Kakay (QRR, England), Alie Sesay (AOX Kissamikos Greece) and Yeami Dunia (Standard FC).

Midfielders: Mohamed Medo Kamara (Kuwait SC, Kuwait), Alfred Sankoh (Al-Jabalain, Saudi Arabia), Michael Lahoud FC Cincinnati, USA), (John Kamara FC Kaisar Kazakhstan) and Julius Wobay Unattached).

Attackers: Kei Kamara Vancouver Whitecaps Canada, Alhassan Kamara BK Hacken Sweden, Ibrahim Conteh PSIS FC, Malaysia, Kwame Quee UMF Vikingur, IcelandIcel, Mohamed Buya Turay Sint Truiden Belgium, Sheka Fofanah Al-Nasr Oman, Amadou Bakayoko Coventry City UK, Christian Moses Viborg FF Danmark.

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