Pereplotkins ready to give his all

Wednesday, 21 March 2007
by Mihail Korolevfrom Riga
One of three players recently granted Latvian citizenship, Skonto FC winger Andrejs Pereplotkins is ready to make his international debut against Liechtenstein.
Parliamentary decisionPacy and skilful, the 21-year-old has made waves in Latvian football since his arrival at Skonto in 2004 via the youth academy at English side Southampton FC. Now he has benefited from a parliamentary decision - along with fellow Skonto players Andrejs Kostjuks and Ivans Sputajs, both 19 - and is set to appear in the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier in Vaduz a week today.'Big surprise'With his new passport came a change of name, with the Russian Andrei Pereplyotkin being transformed into the Latvian equivalent in an instant. "It was a big surprise when I was granted citizenship," he said. "I had not prepared for either outcome - I just had to wait and see what parliament decided. Now I'm really happy. I expect that it will only finally hit home that I'm a Latvian citizen when I take to the pitch in the kit of the national team. The invitation to play for Latvia is a wonderful chance."
Home from homePereplotkins insisted that he was not under pressure to apply for a new passport as UEFA EURO 2004™ finalists Latvia look to build on the three points from their first three Group F games. "The decision to change citizenship was my idea," he said. "I have an opportunity to play at a higher level for Latvia and I like the country a lot. This is a country where a person can realise their potential. I still cannot believe what is happening and don't know how to react. I just can't wait to get started."
Exciting occasionExpected to be used in left midfield in place of the injured Andrejs Rubins, Pereplotkins was concerned that he was "too excited" about his international debut, but is hoping that the sheer number of Skonto team-mates in the squad will help keep him anchored in Vaduz. "I have seen lots of Latvia games - it is only natural given how many of the players are my friends," he said. "I want to be of use and win the admiration of Latvian fans." If he can replicate his Skonto form in his new shirt, that should not be a problem.
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