By Osasu Obayiuwana BBC Sport

Kitamirike will travel to Uganda over the weekend

Chelsea's Joel Kitamirike wants to make his debut for Uganda in the 2006 World Cup and Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Uganda play their opening match against DR Congo on 5 June in Kampala.

The 20-year-old Chelsea defender, currently on loan to English first division side Brentford, said he should be joining his international colleagues over the weekend.

"I am thrilled to play for my country and look forward to having a role in the qualifiers," Kitamirike told BBC Sport on Friday.

I am thrilled to play for my country Joel Kitamirike

"I hope to travel to Uganda on Saturday or Sunday to join up with the team."

The country's football association, Fufa, have been keen to have the England-based player in their squad, in the hope that his European experience could strengthen the side.

Although the player has dual British and Ugandan nationality, which could make him ineligible to play for the Cranes, Fufa secretary Haruna Mawanda said they will ensure that any legal complications affecting his citizenship will be resolved before the game.