Berisha’s Kosovo shock for Victory

STRIKER Besart Berisha has stunned Melbourne Victory in the run-in to A-League finals by answering an international 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 minnows 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.

The 31-year-old is no stranger to international football. He played for Albania in qualifiers for the 2008 European Championships and 2010 World Cup.

In a last-ditch bid, Berisha also signalled his interest in representing Albania in last year’s Euro16 tournament but did not travel.

FIFA has relaxed usually stringent requirements around playing for a second nationality for Kosovo.