Why is Jamie Carragher’s Son Playing for Malta?
James Carragher
James Carragher began his career on the same path as his father, in Liverpool’s youth ranks. Age 14, he joined Wigan Athletics academy and has since risen through the ranks, being an ever-present in the League One side’s lineup this season.
Carragher Jr’s grandfather is of Maltese descent, going by the name of Paul Vassallo, therefore qualifying the player to represent the country. Not only that but in February of this year, both James and Jamie were granted a Maltese Citizenship on the eve of the former’s first international call up.
In some ways it’s simple really, and England call up is a long shot for most players so why not take this shot with Malta now? What does beg the question is why has the call come now?
Malta have begun what they call ‘a new era’ under recently appointed Head Coach Emilio De Leo. The country are aware of their slim chances of qualifying for major tournaments, and with a population of just over 500,000, are reaching out to players that qualify, despite being born elsewhere.
Notts County’s Jodi Jones, Teddy Teuma of Reims and Ilyas Chouaref of Swiss side Sion, are a handful of players that fit that bill, born elsewhere yet eligible and after a taste of international football.
Malta’s FA President Bjorn Vassallo (no relation to Paul) said his nation will continue to hunt for overseas players in order to aid his countries ambitions.
“We will not shy from signing players internationally, everyone is doing it, so why not us?”
22-year-old Carragher made his debut in Malta’s 1-0 defeat to Finland. The defender started again in the nations next match against Poland.
Whilst the name Carragher may sound odd in a Malta shirt, it is the mark of ambition, from nation hoping to make an impact on the international stage, somehow, someway.
