Manchester City youngster Bersant Celina has decided to pledge his allegiance to the Kosovo national team.

Celina was born in Kosovo but had been eligible to play for the Norwegian national team as he grew up in the Scandinavian nation.

Having represented the Norway Under-21 side, it was expected that Celina would go on to turn out for the senior team as well.

However, it can now be revealed that Celina has decided to snub Norway and will now be representing Kosovo at international level.

Yngve Haavik of the Norwegian FA revealed that Celina had demanded that he would be provided playing time for the national team and decided to turn his back, after the demands could not be fulfilled.

Haavik told Norwegian paper VG: "What we can say is that it almost became something like a negotiation regarding playing time and we can't operate that way.

"There is no doubt that we wanted Celina to play for Norway, but that desire has to be mutual, and there can't be any conditions on playing time. It is the national coach who has to decide every time who starts the game and who comes on. I think everyone realises that."

Celina's father, Edvar, also had his say regarding the issue by stating: "Bersant was willing to play and make his contribution to the Norwegian country and the national team. But he could not do that by sitting in the stands or by playing just three minutes. We will cheer on the national team, though, and wish them all the best."