Florian Kamberi is longing to end a 16-month wait for his Albania debut on Thursday – and cue a crack at England as a result.
The on-loan Aberdeen striker is in line to appear in their World Cup qualifier against Andorra.
Kamberi made the switch from Switzerland to Albania in November 2019 but a series of issues have forced him to wait for his big bow.
The 26-year-old, contracted to St Gallen, was first called up for Euro qualifiers against Andorra and France but a paperwork issue plus a slight injury saw him miss out.
He was then given the nod at the end of last year, only for travel restrictions and a brush with Covid to keep him waiting.
Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions visit Tirana on Sunday in between Kamberi and Co launching their Qatar bid in Andorra and heading out to San Marino next Wednesday.
The ex-Hibs and Rangers hitman said: “The first time I was called up for Albania was in November 2019.
“I had an injury and wasn’t able to play. There was also an issue that my documentation was not ready in time.
“Last year there was another issue over flights and then there were the Covid issues.
“For another of the call-ups I could not go because I had contracted coronavirus myself when I was in Switzerland.
“It has been crazy what has happened over the last two years.
“Things have happened but a lot of it has been out of my control.
“It was frustrating and tough because I want to play for Albania.
“I am delighted I am fit, I am with the Albania squad and I am ready to play.
“Everything is sorted and now I am focused on the next three games. It is good we have some big games like England but before that, hopefully I can make my debut against Andorra. To finally get that cap will be special.”
Former Rangers defender and Albania assistant boss Sergio Porrini has been a major factor in getting him to switch allegiances.
The Italian, signed by Walter Smith in 1997, returned to Scotland in 2019 when Kamberi was running out at Easter Road to make his pitch to play under Edoardo Reja.
Kamberi added: “I am always in contact with the coach and Sergio.
“I met Sergio and his wife in Scotland. They came across to visit me when I was at Hibs.
“He came to see me when we lost 5-2 to Celtic at Hampden in the League Cup semi-final.
“I met him after the game and the next day we went for lunch.
“He and Albania have shown a lot of faith in me and now I want to repay them on the pitch.”
The good thing for Albania is that Kamberi is fit and raring to go, having started every one of Aberdeen’s last six games since his deadline-day move.
The striker, who will soon be working under new gaffer Stephen Glass, said: “The move to Aberdeen has been great. I have really enjoyed it.
“The club, the squad and the fans have been great. The only disappointing thing has been the results but I am sure that’ll change between now and the end of the season.
“We have a very good squad. I know results will improve and we will have a strong end to the season.
“I just need to concentrate on Albania for the next few games.
“After that, I hope to go back to Aberdeen and to score some goals and to help the team kick on.”
