Daniel Luduena could be the next foreign-born player to play for Mexico after applying for a Mexican passport.

The 26-year-old Argentinian-born Santos Laguna midfielder has lived in Mexico for the last five years, when he joined Tecos from River Plate.

He revealed today he has begun the application process for citizenship so that he might play for El Tri.

"I don't know how long the paperwork will take, but I hope it happens soon," Luduena said. "If I am finally called into the national team, it would be great.

"I would love to wear the green shirt. Not everyone gets to wear the shirt of such an important country as Mexico.

"It would make me very proud and I would defend the shirt unto death. It is up to the coach, and I must be playing well to be considered."

Sven-Goran Eriksson and his predecessor Hugo Sanchez have both attracted considerable criticism for their willingness to call up naturalised players ahead of Mexican-born alternatives.

Guillermo Franco and Vicente Matias Vuoso, both born in Argentina, and Brazilian-born pair Leandro Augusto Oldoni and Sinha have both appeared for Mexico in recent internationals.