Both Lichaj's parents were born in Poland

Aston Villa full-back Eric Lichaj has pledged his international future to the United States - despite also being called up by Poland.

The two nations meet in Chicago this weekend and Lichaj, 21, has opted to play for the land of his birth, rather than the country his parents are from.

He was in US coach Bob Bradley's pre-World Cup training squad but missed out on the tournament itself.

After the Poland game, the US go on to face Colombia on 12 October.

"I spoke to Eric when I found out he'd received the call-up and I just congratulated him and told him to enjoy it," Villa defender Luke Young told the club website.

"He's strong, he's quick and he wants to learn. He'll definitely be pushing everyone at the back for a place."

Lichaj has made his senior debut in Villa's first team this season, facing Rapid Vienna in the Europa League and also starting against Blackburn in the Carling Cup.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version