Kosovo call has Berisha on international duty

STRIKER Besart Berisha has stunned Melbourne Victory by answering a call from his country of birth, Kosovo.

Berisha will head to Europe to represent the Balkan country next month in a World Cup qualifier against fellow minnow Iceland, leaving Victory without his services for a date against former club Brisbane.

“For me, it’s a very exciting time . . . I was born there and they need my help so I think it’s time to go,” Berisha said yesterday.

The 31-year-old he played for Albania in qualifiers for the 2008 European Championships and 2010 World Cup.

Berisha also signalled his interest in representing Albania in last year’s Euro16 tournament but did not travel.

World football body FIFA has relaxed requirements around playing for a second nationality for Kosovo.

The country won independence in 2008 and the national team is making its first effort to qualify for the World Cup.

Berisha said he was excited over the adventure.

“It looks like I’m going to go for my first game to play for Kosovo,” he said. “For me, it’s a very exciting time and I hope I have a great game.”

In the three games before his departure — against Adelaide this week, a trip to leader Sydney FC and then back at home to Perth — Berisha could set a new milestone.

His brace in Victory’s 3-0 win over Central Coast last Sunday has him a hat-trick away from reaching a century of A-League goals.

He said he wanted to hit the 100 — mainly so people would stop asking him about it.

“I’d like to make sure I reach it as fast as possible so that it’s done,” he said.