Dejagah nears Iran bow

Former Germany youth international Ashkan Dejagah is set to make his Iran debut when they face Qatar in a 2014 World Cup qualifier.

Wolfsburg striker Dejagah, who was born in Tehran but raised in Berlin, has long been linked with the Iran national team, but remains uncapped after previously rejecting invitations, as well as enduring injury and eligibility issues.

However, Dejagah has arrived in Iran ahead of their clash with Qatar on Wednesday and could finally tie his allegiance to the country of his birth.

“I am looking forward to this experience and will try to make the best out of it,” Dejagah told reporters in Germany prior to flying to Iran.

The 25-year-old went on to bemoan his side’s 2-1 Bundesliga loss to Hoffenheim on Saturday.

“I rather would have gone after a home victory,” he said.

“Nevertheless, I am happy it finally worked out,” he added, referring to his international eligibility.

Iran, who have already secured their passage into the next phase, meet Qatar on Wednesday in the third round of Asian Football Confederation World Cup qualifying.