CHRISTOPHE GAMEL

They meet today in London, England

Vodafone Fijian football head coach Christophe Gamel is expected to meet-up with Scott Wara (pictured) in London sometimes today.

This was confirmed yesterday by national team director Tarunesh Reddy who indicated that they are interested in roping in the 18-yearold defender.

“Gamel went to England last week for this important purpose to talk to Wara and his club to ensure that he plays for the national team,” Reddy said.

“He (Wara) is a very good player and the only Fijian player to reach this far while playing for an English Premier League club in England. We want to have his (Wara) availability as we build-up to the 2022 World Cup.”

Wara made his English football debut while on loan from Stoke City this season. The Stoke City Under-23 defender is on loan at Leek Town in the sixth tier of English football and has already played twice for his new club.

The 18-year-old started against Newcastle Town and nearly scored in their 4-2 win. According to Oceaniafc.com, manager Neil Baker was full of praise for the youngster, telling the Stoke Sentinel: “Scott did well, he had a good start to the game, but I think he will be disappointed with Newcastle’s first goal when he lost possession, but he made a terrific goal-line clearance and his general play was very good.”

Wara has since started in a 1-0 victory over Loughborough Dynamo but was substituted at half time. He was an unused substitute in the 3-2 defeat against Market Drayton Town as Leek rotated the squad during the busy winter schedule. Wara was named in the Fijian squad to tour Indonesia last year but missed out due to his commitment with the club. He is also eligible to represent England. “We’re talking to Wara’s agent and his club and Gamel will brief us more upon his return from England next week,” Reddy said.

Fiji FA is also holding talks with English Premier League clubs for Fijian players to join their academy and later play for clubs in the English Premier League. Reddy said Gamel is also holding talks on this with the EPL clubs as part of his visit to England. “Europe has one of the competitive football competitions in the world and now with our latest Fijian player doing well in Europe, we are positive of this opportunity and hopefully our national team players will be part of the European football academy,” Reddy added.