Matty aims to Cash in with mate’s help

POLAND defender Matty Cash had a special request for Aston Villa teammate and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez ahead of their meeting: to get him Lionel Messi’s shirt.

Cash and Martinez will turn rivals when Poland take on Argentina in Group C on Nov 30.

Asked if he had been in touch with Martinez ahead of the tournament, Cash told reporters on Saturday: “No bets.

“I just asked him for Messi’s shirt, if that’s possible.

“Obviously when we step on the pitch, we become rivals although we are teammates at Villa.

“It’s another massive game against a really strong opponent.”

The English-born defender will play his first major tournament with Poland after being granted citizenship last year.

The 25-year-old, who has seven caps for Poland, qualified for citizenship through his mother and grandfather.

“Everybody dreams of playing at a major tournament and it has come now, which is really exciting,” Cash said.

“I really like pressure and think playing in the Premier League is pressure in itself ... I want to prove myself on the biggest stage and this is the time to do it.”

Poland begin their World Cup campaign on Wednesday against Mexico.