United States of America based attacker Kekuta Manneh, who has Gambian roots, has opted to represent USA and not Gambia in his international career.

The 22-year-old Vancouver Whitecap youngster chose the US over his country of birth because he beleives his future lies in his new country where he could possibly play in the World Cup.

Manneh did play some youth games with that country’s Under-20 national team and will therefore require a waiver from FIFA to be officially cleared for US play. Although there is more to be done, this was an important step on his journey.

“It’s been a long process,” Manneh said after receiving his US citizenship, “We’ve been doing it for years. It finally came true. I’m really excited, happy; it’s good news for the family.”

Manneh was called into January camp with the notion that he would not be playing in the upcoming friendlies against Serbia and Jamaica. It’s his first appearance in a U.S. camp.

A dynamic attacker who features loads of pace, Manneh has 22 goals and 12 assists in 98 MLS appearances (60 starts). He was the fourth overall pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft.

He joins fellow young attackers Jordan Morris and Gyasi Zardes as part of the next generation up top as he gets the chance to prove himself ahead of World Cup qualifiers that starts in March.

Kekuta who once played for Steve Biko FC of the Gambian League,has been a target of Liverpool and Chelsea.