Reading midfielder James Harper has rejected the chance to represent Ghana at the World Cup finals in Germany this summer.

The 25-year-old has been a key figure in the Royals' title-winning campaign in the Championship and qualifies for Ghana as his mother was born there.

However, Harper told the Reading Evening Post: "I had a little think about it. All the lads said I had to do it because it would mean playing in the World Cup, but I can't. I'm English.

"My mum is from Ghana, but she moved over here when she was three. I've never even been to Ghana. I can't speak any of the 32 languages they've got.

"I wouldn't feel right putting on the shirt. I think you should play for the country you are from.

"If I was born there and then came over to England, then fair enough. But I didn't and I am English."