March 20 2013

Yannick Bolasie

Crystal Palace winger YANNICK BOLASIE has his sights on a place at next year's World Cup with DR Congo.

BOLASIE, who was eligible to play for England where he grew up and his birthplace France, has decided to choose the country of his parents.

The 23-year-old is set to make his international bow in a qualifier against Libya in Kinshasa on Sunday and hopes he can help the central African country reach the Brazil finals in 2014.

"It's an honour to receive the call-up and gives me the chance to play for the country of my mother and father," he said.

"I just hope I can now do my best, if given the chance, and try and help us qualify for the World Cup in Brazil.

"Seeing this country as it is really brings me back down to earth, you realise what some people don't have or even get the chance to live like we do back in England.

"I have just finished my first training session, and it was good to get involved ahead of Sunday when they believe around 80,000 will be there.

"There is so much passion here for football from the fans, it seems to be able to bring everyone together. If we manage to beat Libya, that will give us a very good chance of qualifying."

He added: "I have settled in well, and the manager and all the guys have made me feel very welcome, plus I have Youssouf Mulumbu and Gabriel Zakuani here looking after me so it is all shaping up well.

"There are some quality players here to be honest. They play in the French and German leagues, and it is a good standard."

The Leopards are placed 81st in FIFA's rankings and have made just one World Cup appearance in 1974.