FORMER Saddlers' striker, Taiwo Atieno will be flying the Walsall FC flag when he heads out to Kenya this week.

The 23 year-old, who progressed through the Banks's Stadium ranks to make a handful of first-team appearances, is travelling to east Africa to do some charity work during the pre-season break for his current club, Puerto Rico Islanders.

Whilst he is there, he will also declare his eligibility to the Kenyan FA for the national team.

"My cousin runs a Malaria Clinic in Kenya and I have helped him raise vital funds by auctioning off some football memorabilia," he explained. "Whilst I am over there, I will be highlighting the problem of poverty in the country and showing them that the outside world really does care.

"Walsall have given me some shirts, footballs and programmes to take with me, which I am very grateful for, and I have other items that I have picked up on my travels with Puerto Rico Islanders

"I will also take the opportunity to meet with Kenyan FA officials during my stay. My father is from Kenya and was brought up in Kogelo, the same village as American President, Barack Obama's father, so it would be an honour for me to play International football for them.

"My experiences of playing for Puerto Rico Islanders in the CONCACAF Champions League has really whetted my appetite; I've held my own against International players from countries such as Mexico and Honduras and now I want to test myself on the International stage."

The full interview can be seen now on Saddlers World...