German-born Castrop named in South Korea squad

(Reuters) - South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo has called up former German youth international Jens Castrop for next month's friendlies against the United States and Mexico, the first time a mixed heritage player has been included in the men's national squad.

Hong named the Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder in his 26-man squad on Monday as the Koreans begin preparations for next year's World Cup, their 11th consecutive appearance in the global tournament.

The 22-year-old Castrop, who has born to a German father and South Korean mother, has been picked along with captain Son Heung-min and Paris St Germain's Champions League winner Lee Kang-in.

Castrop, who was born in Dusseldorf and played for Germany from Under-16 to Under-21 level, asked FIFA to switch his international allegiance to South Korea this month.

He played for Koln and Nurnberg before joining Monchengladbach in February.

While selecting overseas-born players has become commonplace in China and Japan, in South Korea it is rare at all levels of the sport.