Yan Dhanda's family connection to Scotland and Heart of Midlothian has naturally led to the playmaker being asked about his eligibility for the national team.

His uncle and grandad are Hearts season-ticket holders which has led to assumptions that he would qualify as an option for Steve Clarke whether it is now or in the future.

Dhanda, however, explained the family dynamic on his mum's side which means he won't be able to represent the country of some of his family.

"Because my nan wasn't born in Scotland, I can't play for Scotland," he explained. "A lot of people have been asking but she is from Birmingham, moved to Scotland and married a Scotsman. That means I'm not eligible to play for Scotland."


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With that door firmly closed, Dhanda has been focusing on playing for the country of his gran on his dad's side: India.

"Yeah, my dad's mum was born in India so I am the last generation of our family who can play for India," he said. "My mum and dad were both born in England so my kids wouldn't be able to play for India."

However, it is far from straightforward. While Dhanda is eligible for India there is a slight but important snag in the process. The country's government doesn't allow players to play for the national team if they hold dual citizenship.

Currently, the 25-year-old would have to give up his British passport. Something he is reluctant to do.

"The FA in India are desperate for me to play but the government doesn't allow it," he said. "I think it's the only country that don't allow overseas players to represent them. The previous manager was texting me constantly and really pushing it.

"Hopefully it happens soon but we are still waiting. As soon as the government allows it then it will happen because the FA in India wants it to happen.

"In India, you have to give up your passport. Then you couldn't live in India and also buy property in the UK. I wouldn't be able to do that because I've got family here. If the government just allowed dual citizenship then it would be possible."

Dhanda hopes India will follow other nations that have made the change to allow dual nationalities to play for the national team, citing Zidane Iqbal who was born in Manchester and played with Manchester United and now represents Iraq.

"It is just a waiting game now," he said. "The Indian FA have been trying to do it for two years now. The manager before he got sacked was texting me saying it was getting closer than ever. So hopefully anytime soon."