Islam Feruz (born 10 September 1995 in Somalia) is a Scottish footballer who currently plays as a striker for Scottish Premier League side Celtic. Personal life Originally from Somalia, he lived in Tanzania before in 2001 seeking asylum in the United Kingdom by fleeing to Yemen where he then flew to London with his mother, stepfather and sister. His family stayed in London for a few weeks before then being granted asylum and being relocated to Glasgow, Scotland. Club career In October 2008, Feruz made his Celtic under 19s debut only one month after turning 13. On 31 May 2009, he made his Celtic first-team debut at the age of 13 in the Tommy Burns Tribute Match. International career On 13 October 2009, Feruz became the first player to utilise the new FIFA rule that meant despite being born in Somalia he could play for the Scotland Football team as he had been schooled in Scotland for the required five years. Feruz made his international debut for against Cyprus U17s on 20 October 2009 in a UEFA Under 17 Euro Championship qualifier in a 2-1 defeat, assisting the only Scotland goal for club teammate Callum McGregor. He played in all three of Scotland's qualifying matches. On 29 October 2009, he scored on his Scotland U16 debut against Wales U16s in a Victory Shield match. Stealing the ball from the defender, he proceeded to chip the goalkeeper, and celebrated with a backflip.
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