Sam Morsy: The former Telford schoolboy playing in the World Cup for Egypt

For the first time in 28 years, Egypt will be one of 32 teams competing in the tournament, starting tomorrow.

And amongst their 23-man squad is the former Thomas Telford School pupil, who currently plays for Championship side Wigan and played against Shrewsbury last season.

The 26-year-old qualifies for The Pharaohs through his father Mekawy, who moved to England in 1976 and is now a property developer.

And the call-up completes a remarkable turnaround for the midfielder who was snapped up by Wolves aged seven but released at 16.

Morsy, whose family still live in Wolverhampton, is in the same sqaud as Liverpool sensation Mo Salah and Arsenal's Mohamed Elneny.

His father Mekawy said: "Like any parent, it always fills you with pride to see your child doing well.

"It doesn't matter what industry they are in, I am proud whenever I see my boys doing well.

"For Sam though, playing in a World Cup is a dream come true."

Mekawy says he is still unsure if he and his family will fly out to Russia.

"We're still undecided," he said. "We really want to go so we can watch Sam and support him but a few people have advised us not to go to Russia.

"I'm hopeful we will go and see a few games but if not we'll watch him on TV.

"But it's been 28 years since Egypt were last at a World Cup so it's not only exciting for Sam, it's also a huge honour for him to be involved."

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