Three footballers from the region will represent Pakistan as they take on Iraq later this month.

The first game takes place on October 22 in Lahore with the return leg being played in Syria on October 28.

Adnan Ahmed of Tranmere Rovers, Amjad Iqbal of Farsley Celtic and Adam Karim of Welsh premier league side Porthmadog FC will leave for Pakistan on October 14.

Adnan Ahmed who signed for Tranmere Rovers this season said it would be an honour to play for the country.

"I didn't have to think twice in an World cup Qualifier. It will be good experience for myself and for some the lads who are stepping up quite a few levels."

Pakistan has not yet qualified for either the FIFA World Cup or Asian Cup championships and face a stiff test agianst a vastly improved Iraq. The second leg of the game will be played in Syria because of the ongoing ocupation of the country.

Adnan joins the likes of QPR's Zesh Rehman to be selected from the English top four divisions. Zesh made his debut in 2005 becoming the first Pakistani international footballer to play professional football in England.

"Obviously, my first choice would have been to play for England. I think that's the dream of every footballer born in this country.

"But, realistically, that was never going to happen,"

"My parents are from Pakistan though, so this is a great opportunity for me to play international football.

Adnan added, "For myself and for some of the new players it will be a totally different experience. All we can do is enjoy it and that is exactly what I'll be telling some of the other players.

"Tranmere have been very supportive of me.""Obviously, my first choice would have been to play for England. I think that's the dream of every footballer born in this country.

"But, realistically, that was never going to happen,"

"My parents are from Pakistan though, so this is a great opportunity for me to play international football.

Adnan added, "For myself and for some of the new players it will be a totally different experience. All we can do is enjoy it and that is exactly what I'll be telling some of the other players.

"Tranmere have been very supportive of me."