Aston Villa defender Matty Cash has been included in the Poland squad after his application for Polish citizenship was finalised last month.

The 24-year-old's mother was born in Poland and Cash first expressed his interested in representing Poland back in 2019.

The former Nottingham Forest defender has been included in Paola Sousa’s squad for the first time ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Hungary.

Congratulations to @MattyCash622, who has been called up to the senior Poland squad for the first time! 🇵🇱 pic.twitter.com/3YtFNTCntd

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) November 1, 2021

Cash said he was looking forward to a new challenge after his Polish citizenship was confirmed at the end of October.

"This is a very important and proud day for me and my family.

"My application to get a Polish citizenship has been approved by Polish authorities.

"I would like to thank the president, my family and other people who helped me. Now it’s time for a new challenge. I will give my all for this country."

Poland are currently second in Group I, three points behind England with two games to play.

Paola Sousa’s side will guarantee a World Cup playoff spot with wins over Andorra and Hungary in their final two qualifiers.

Cash has made a total of 39 appearances for Villa since joining the Premier League club and scored his first goal for the club in the 3-0 win over Everton in September.