'Austrian' Dag walking diplomatic tightrope
Reuters - Monday 28 March 2011, 16:04
VIENNA - Austria defender Ekrem Dag has
admitted to mixed feelings at facing Turkey, the country of his
birth, in their Euro 2012 qualifier on Tuesday.
"It's an honour to play for the Austria national team. But I
haven't forgotten that I was born in Turkey," he told the
Austrian federation's website on Monday.
The 30-year-old also sat on the fence when it came to
declaring if he would celebrate scoring a goal in the match in
Turkey.
"We'll see when the time comes. This is a special match for
me," he said.
Dag was born in Turkey, moved to Austria as an
eight-year-old and began his professional career with Sturm
Graz, although he now plays in Turkey with Besiktas.
He was first called up by Austria in 2009 having turned down
an offer to play for Turkey.
Dag is one of three players in the Austrian squad with
Turkish roots alongside Yasin Pehlivan and Umit Korkmaz.
Austria are third in Group A with seven points from four
games, one ahead of Turkey.
There is media speculation about the future of coach Didi
Constantini following a dismal performance in their 2-0 home
defeat by Belgium on Friday.