WELSH International newcomer Jason Koumas has stated, "I only ever wanted to play for Wales."

The Wrexham-born midfielder, who speaks with a broad scouse accent could have played for either Wales or England. Both his parents are English.

But unlike Bayern Munich youngster Owen Hargreaves, Koumas has pledged his future to Mark Hughes' side insisting he made the right choice. "I decided a few months ago to go with Wales," said Koumas.

"It was always my first choice to be honest with you, I'm glad to be Welsh and I believe I've made the right choice."

It's a big step for a player who has had no international experience at any level up to this point.

"I've never had international representative honours," he said. "It is a big step, but there are a lot of good players here and I'm just looking forward to training with them.

"You've got start somewhere, and it would be nice to start with a World Cup game. I can't wait."

With injury doubts hanging over Robbie Savage and Craig Bellamy alongside the withdrawal of Preston's Robert Edwards Koumas is being tipped for a place among the substitutes.

Koumas though is just delighted to be involved with some of the best players in the business.

"Training with a squad like this can only help my development as a player," he said. "I'm just looking forward to training and playing with the best, and hopefully I'll get the chance to impress.

"And if I get on the pitch on Saturday, I'm confident that I'll be able to do the business." The Tranmere midfielder also revealed that when he was making his decision, everyone he spoke tol told him to play for the country of his birth.

"John Aldridge pushed me to join Wales, so did Kevin Sheady," revealed Koumas. "I had a good talk with them, and obviously Mark Hughes. Everyone I spoke to told me to come here and give it a good go and I'm happy to be here."

But despite having a successful season last year, Tranmere were relegated, and Koumas has fired speculation that he may leave the Merseyside club in the near future. "At the moment I'm still a Tranmere player," said Koumas.

"I've been at the club since I was a schoolboy, and although I haven't thought about my future yet I don't really want to be playing second division football next season," he said.