Russ eyes Croatian role

Defender wants to swap allegiance

By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey.   Last Updated: February 3, 2012 7:38pm

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Marco Russ: Wants to play for Croatia

Sky Bet

German-born Marco Russ has confirmed he is hoping to switch international allegiance to Croatia.

The 26-year-old Wolfsburg stopper has applied for Croatian nationality, as he qualifies through his wife.

He is now hoping that he could earn a place in Slaven Bilic's squad ahead of the Euro 2012 finals this summer.

"The naturalisation process has already started. I'm waiting for a signal from Croatia coach Bilic," Russ told German daily Bild.

Croatia have been drawn in Group C at Euro 2012 and will face defending champions Spain, Italy and the Republic of Ireland.